This Day in Coast Guard History – June 16

1880-An Act of Congress (21 Stat. L., 259, 263) provided that "masters of light-house tenders shall have police powers in matters pertaining to government property and smuggling."

1966-The freighter Alva Cape and tanker Texaco Massachusetts collided in New York Harbor near Third Coast Guard District Headquarters on Governor's Island.  Thirty-three crewmen perished in the ensuing explosion.  Coast Guard units responded and the rescue effort garnered significant national media attention.

(Source: USCG Historian’s Office)