Historical Events tagged with "tampa"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

MV Summit Venture Collides with Skyway Bridge

May 9th, 1980 44 years ago

A Liberian freighter, MV Summit Venture, collided with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida, resulting in the collapse of a 430-meter section of the bridge. The tragic incident led to the fall of thirty-five individuals, who were in six cars and a Greyhound bus, plunging 46 meters into Tampa Bay. Rescue efforts were initiated immediately, but the event marked a significant disaster in the region's history.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Collision of USCGC Blackthorn and Tanker Capricorn

January 28th, 1980 45 years ago

The USCGC Blackthorn collided with the tanker Capricorn while departing the Port of Tampa, resulting in the capsizing of the Coast Guard vessel and the tragic loss of 23 crew members. The incident occurred in the waters of Tampa Bay during a clear day and was attributed to a failure to properly communicate and navigate between the two ships, leading to a fatal maritime accident.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

First Scheduled Airline to Use Winged Aircraft

January 1st, 1914 111 years ago

The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line launched its operations, becoming the world’s first scheduled airline to utilize a winged aircraft. Initially established in Florida, the service featured a Benoist XIV biplane, which transported passengers across Tampa Bay. The airline aimed to offer regular air travel for both business and leisure, setting the stage for future commercial aviation.

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