Divers find wreck of iconic U.S. ship torpedoed in WWI, killing 131

A century after its sinking, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tampa has been discovered by the British diving team Gasperados off the coast of Cornwall, UK. The Tampa was torpedoed by a German submarine in 1918 during World War I, resulting in the largest loss of life on a U.S. combat ship during the war, with 131 service members perishing. The ship was part of a convoy duty mission and had been commended for its exemplary service. Despite a high morale and acts of bravery among the crew, the Tampa met its fate in the Bristol Channel while heading for more fuel. The recent discovery of the wreck, located over 300 feet deep, reconnects the Coast Guard with its past and honors the sacrifice of those who served. The Gasperados Dive Team, with support from the Coast Guard, spent three years searching before finally locating the vessel. QUESTION: How might the discovery of the Tampa’s wreckage influence the way we remember and honor those who served in World War I?