When Did The Sunshine Skyway Bridge CollapseHere's how we're remembering the tragedy. Monday marks 42 years since the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse A freighter crashed into the bridge during a storm on May 9, 1980. Six cars, a truck, and a Greyhound Bus plunged. A 1,200-foot span of the southbound bridge collapsed into the bay, and. when the freighter Summit Venture rammed into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge during a severe storm. Tampa Bay marks 42 years since Sunshine Skyway Bridge. A 1,200-foot span of the southbound bridge collapsed into the bay, and. Dividing Impact: The Tasman Bridge Collapse. A freight ship crashed into the support columns, causing 1,200 feet of the bridge to collapse. Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster in Tampa Bay ">Photos: 1980 Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster in Tampa Bay. A Greyhound passenger bus fell off the broken structure and plunged 150 feet along with six cars and a pickup truck. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge Collapse Of The 1980s …. The Skyway bridge collapsed 40 years ago. Several things had gone wrong for the ship’s pilot, causing a chain of preventable events that could have possibly stopped the disaster from happening. Freighter Smashed Into Sunshine Skyway Bridge 42 Years Ago. On the morning of May 9, 1980, a sudden squall engulfed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, spanning the mouth of Tampa Bay south of St. Monday marks 42 years since the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse A freighter crashed into the bridge during a storm on May 9, 1980. A freighter ship hit the bridge during a heavy rainstorm on May 9, 1980, sending several cars. The ship struck just after 7:30 a. On a stormy day, May 9, 1980, the 19,734-ton Summit Venture freighter, got lost in fog and slammed into the bridge, tearing away a large part of the span, which collapsed in the water below. It was Friday, May 9, 1980 -- at 7:33 am -- when the freighter Summit Venture rammed into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge during a severe storm. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida Fell 40 Years …. May 9 marks 43rd anniversary of Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse. The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, often referred to as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or the Sunshine Skyway, consists of a pair of long beam bridges with a central cable-stayed bridge that spans Lower Tampa Bay to connect St. Six cars, a truck and a bus fell 150 feet into the Tampa Bay. Remembering the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Collapse. On this day in 1980 the freighter Summit Venture struck the bridge that joined St. Tampa Bay marks 41 years since Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Murder suspect captured after hours-long standoff. It was a two-lane beam bridge supported by 32 concrete pillars with a shipping channel opening of 864 feet. (WFLA) — Tuesday marks 43 years since the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster, an event that sent shockwaves across the Tampa Bay area. In 1980, 35 people were killed when a freighter rammed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay in Florida, causing a 1,400-foot section of the southbound span to collapse. Thirty-five people in six cars and a Greyhound bus fell 150 feet to their deaths. The pier was destroyed and the roadway above crashed into the waters of Tampa Bay. Remembering the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Collapse. Freighter crashes into column, 35 people die. — Thursday marks 39 years since the deadly Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse. The present Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which replaced both early spans, cost $224 million and opened in April, 1987. Tampa's 1980 Sunshine Skyway Bridge Disaster: Who Was At Fault?. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge Disaster: Tragedy Over Tampa Bay. PETERSBURG, FL — The Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse occurred 42 years ago Monday when a freighter smashed into the span, resulting in 35 deaths. Skyway bridge disaster coverage from 1980: Death rode in on early. The Tampa Bay Times is committed to sharing the sights and stories of the past. 43rd anniversary of Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse. Over 41 years ago, on May 9, 1980, one of the worst maritime disasters in Tampa Bay’s history occurred. Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse">May 9 marks 42nd anniversary of Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse. May 9 marks 42nd anniversary of Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse. On one tragic day in 1980, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge would forever be associated with a devastating event. The replacement Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987, and still carries commuters and travelers across the bay. on May 9, 1980, the freighter MV Summit Venture collided with a pier (support column) of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge during a blinding thunderstorm, sending over 1,200 feet (370 m) of the bridge plummeting into Tampa Bay. Thirty-five years ago today, a cargo ship struck the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay. Richard Hornbuckle's car rests where it skidded to a stop just14 inches from. 40 years later: Skyway Bridge disaster remembered in documentary. Sunshine Skyway bridge collapse photos on disaster's anniversary. 9, 2023 at 3:00 PM PDT Geo resource failed to load. Six cars, a truck, and a bus plunged 150 feet into Tampa Bay, killing 35 people. The roadway above crashed into the waters of Tampa Bay. On May 9, 1980, a 1,400-foot section of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapsed over Tampa Bay, Florida, after the bridge was hit by a freighter. On one tragic day in 1980, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge would forever be associated with a devastating event. Today in History: May 9, Mandela chosen to lead South Africa. It was on May 9, 1980 when the unthinkable happened: The freighter M/V Summit Venture collided with a support column during a blinding thunderstorm, knocking a 1,200-foot section of the roadway into the water below. Petersburg Times on May 10, 1980. May 9, 1980 – Skyway Bridge disaster May 9, 2022 26 Comments Richard Hornbuckle’s car rests where it skidded to a stop just 14 inches from the edge of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which was struck by the freighter Summit Venture on. Thirty-five people died when the bridge over Tampa Bay that joined St. 43rd anniversary of Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse 43rd anniversary of Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse Updated: May. May 9 marks 43rd anniversary of Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse …. The Tampa Bay Times is committed to. Thirty-five people lost their lives. 00:00 00:00 An unknown error has occurred Author: 10. The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, often referred to as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or the Sunshine Skyway, consists of a pair of long beam bridges with a central cable-stayed bridge that spans Lower Tampa Bay to connect St. On May 9, 1980, the 19,734-ton Summit Venture freighter, got lost in fog and slammed into the bridge, tearing away a large part of the span. The freighter Summit Venture, blinded by a storm, crashed into the bridge's support columns at 7:33 a. The bridge collapsed and sent cars and a Greyhound bus hurdling into the water below. See historic photos from the Sunshine Skyway bridge disaster 42 years ago. In 1980, 35 people were killed when a freighter rammed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay in Florida, causing a 1,400-foot section of the southbound span to collapse. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge plunged into Tampa Bay 42 years ago One of the worst disasters in bay area history took place when a freighter struck the bridge on May 9, 1980, killing 35 people. Petersburg and Bradenton collapsed after it was hit by a cargo ship May 9, 1980. They were enveloped in a wall of rain. Remembering the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse 42 years later 10 Tampa Bay 269K subscribers Subscribe Share 6K views 10 months ago May 9, 1980, marks one of the most tragic days the Tampa. On May 9, 1980, the 19,734-ton Summit Venture. , a partially constructed pedestrian bridge crossing an eight-lane roadway in the city of Miami, in Miami-Dade County, Florida, experienced a catastrophic structural failure in the nodal connection between truss members 11 and 12 and the bridge deck. The new Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987. — Thursday marks 39 years since the deadly Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse. It was Friday, May 9, 1980 at 7:33 a. Murder suspect captured after hours-long standoff. Sunshine Skyway Bridge. (WFLA) – Sunday marks 41 years since the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster that killed 35 people and rocked the Tampa Bay area. More than 40 years later, a new bridge stands as a testament to Tampa Bay and the 35 killed. When: December 15, 1967 According to eyewitnesses, the entire 1,460-foot suspended portion of the Silver Bridge folded “like a deck of cards” in less than 20 seconds and collapsed into the. The collision caused six cars, a truck, and a Greyhound bus to. Skyway bridge disaster coverage from 1980: Death rode in on ">Skyway bridge disaster coverage from 1980: Death rode in on. Petersburg Times on May 10, 1980. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge plunged into Tampa Bay 42 years ago One of the worst disasters in bay area history took place when a freighter struck the bridge on May 9, 1980, killing 35 people. Thirty-five years ago today, a cargo ship struck the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay. A 1,200-foot section of the bridge collapsed, sending. As a result, 1,200 feet of the. The current Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987 and is the second bridge of. A storm blinded the freighter ship, Summit Venture as it crashed into the columns of where the old Sunshine. In 2016, Filipinos went to the polls to elect Rodrigo Duterte, the controversial, tough-talking mayor of Davao city, to be their country’s next president. On May 9, 1980, a freighter struck the bridge, killing 35 people in one of the worst disasters in Tampa Bay history. 4-mile channel that leads to the Port of Tampa. A 1,200-foot section of the span collapsed on May 9, 1980, sending cars and a bus into Tampa Bay. It was his last training mission, and he was shadowing Captain John Lerro, as Lerro steered the 606 foot cargo ship Summit Venture through the twists and turns of the shipping channel in the. On one tragic day in 1980, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge would forever be associated with a devastating event. It was Friday, May 9, 1980 -- at 7:33 am -- when the freighter Summit Venture rammed into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge during a severe storm. On this day in 1980 the freighter Summit Venture struck the bridge that joined St. A 1,200-foot section of the span collapsed on May 9, 1980, sending cars and a bus into Tampa Bay. Egmont Key State Park is located in the mouth of the bay on Egmont Key. Sunshine Skyway Bridge. (WFLA) – Sunday marks 41 years since the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster that killed 35 people and rocked the Tampa Bay area. A violent storm shook the waves so hard that a freighter, the Summit Venture, struck the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at 7:33 a. In 1980, two separate collisions between vessels under or with the bridge caused. The freighter Summit Venture, blinded by a storm, crashed into the bridge’s support columns at 7:33 a. Bruce Atkins was 32 years old, an experienced mariner, and an apprentice harbor pilot in Tampa Bay. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida has experienced major tragedy since its original construction in 1954. (WFLA) — Tuesday marks 43 years since the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster, an event that sent shockwaves across the Tampa Bay area. Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse: The Tampa Bay tragedy happened 39. (WFLA) — Tuesday marks 43 years since the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster, an event that sent shockwaves across the Tampa Bay area. In 1980, two separate collisions between vessels under or with the bridge caused. 43rd anniversary of Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse 43rd anniversary of Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse Updated: May. The southbound span (opened in 1971) of the original bridge was destroyed at 7:38 am on May 9, 1980, when the 606 ft (185 m) freighter MV Summit Venturecollided with a support column during a sudden squall, causing the catastrophic failure of over 1,200 ft (370 m) of the span. John Lerro was navigating the Summit Venture freighter through the 58. The Skyway bridge collapsed 40 years ago. On May 9, 1980, the 19,734-ton Summit Venture freighter, got lost in fog and slammed into the bridge, tearing away a large part of the span. The 609-foot Summit Venture freighter. Of course, the bridge’s most famous disaster took place on May 9, 1980, when a freighter, the MV Summit Venture, collided with a support column pier during a severe storm. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge Collapse Of The 1980s In Florida">The Sunshine Skyway Bridge Collapse Of The 1980s In Florida. Over 41 years ago, on May 9, 1980, one of the worst maritime disasters in Tampa Bay's history occurred. Florida history: Skyway Bridge collapses">This day in Florida history: Skyway Bridge collapses. The replacement Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987, and still carries commuters and travelers across the bay. A freighter ship hit the bridge during a heavy rainstorm on May 9, 1980, sending several cars. The Skyway Bridge tragedy: ‘He could’ve swam somewhere’">The Skyway Bridge tragedy: ‘He could’ve swam somewhere’. The replacement Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987, and still carries commuters and travelers across the bay. Thirty-five years ago today, a cargo ship struck the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay. The freighter Summit Venture, blinded by a storm, crashed into the bridge’s support columns at 7:33 a. On this day in 1980 the freighter Summit Venture struck the bridge that joined St. On May 9, 1980, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge – an engineering marvel – was struck by a ship. Flickr creativelenna The freighter known as. On May 9, 1980, a 1,400-foot section of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapsed over Tampa Bay, Florida, after the bridge was hit by a freighter. The Skyway bridge collapsed 40 years ago. On May 9, 1980, a freighter struck the bridge, killing 35 people in one of the worst disasters in Tampa Bay history. On one tragic day in 1980, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge would forever be associated with a devastating event. Here’s how we’re remembering the tragedy. It is well-protected against incoming or outgoing ships. Early in the morning of May 9, 1980, Capt. The Skyway bridge collapsed 40 years ago. On May 9, 1980, the 19,734-ton Summit Venture freighter, got lost. 42 years later: Deadly Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster. Sunshine Skyway Bridge Deaths: 35 Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images. Though the blinding rain, drivers in the southbound lanes were unable to see the missing roadway ahead. A 1,200-foot section of the bridge collapsed, sending. Monday marks 42 years since the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse. Tampa’s 1980 Sunshine Skyway Bridge Disaster: Who Was At …. On May 9, 1980, during a driving rainstorm, a freighter crashed into the support columns. All of them were crossing over Tampa Bay during the sudden, violent storm on May 9, 1980, when a freighter ship rocked by rough seas collided with the bridge, knocking out the center of the southbound span. On May 9, 1980, a freighter struck the bridge, killing 35 people in one of the worst disasters in Tampa Bay history. The white-out conditions couldn't have come at a worse point. But Chetlain’s story about the aftermath, including an interview. A 1,200-foot section of the bridge collapsed, sending. Now, it's just a moment in history. 4-mile channel that leads to the Port of Tampa. Remembering the Skyway Bridge disaster, 39 years later. On Thursday, March 15, 2018, about 1:46 p. The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, often referred to as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or the Sunshine Skyway, consists of a pair of long beam bridges with a central cable-stayed bridge that spans Lower. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida has experienced major tragedy since its original construction in 1954. In 1980, 35 people were killed when a freighter rammed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay in Florida, causing a 1,400-foot section of the southbound span to collapse. The story ran on the front page of the St. Alsford / Three Lions / Getty Images) The Sunshine Skyway bridge first opened in 1954. It was then-governor Bob Graham who made the decision to tear down and modernize, rather than re-build the twin Skyway spans as they were. Billings Gazette on Twitter: "In 1980, 35 people were killed when a. Several passenger cars, a pickup truck and a Greyhound bus toppled 150 feet into the water. The original Sunshine Skyway bridge The Sunshine Skyway over the mouth of Tampa Bay, Florida, circa 1960. May 9, 1980 - Skyway Bridge disaster May 9, 2022 26 Comments Richard Hornbuckle's car rests where it skidded to a stop just 14 inches from the edge of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which was struck by the freighter Summit Venture on May 9, 1980. In 1980, 35 people were killed when a freighter rammed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay in Florida, causing a 1,400-foot section of the southbound span to collapse. On the morning of May 9, 1980, a sudden squall engulfed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, spanning the mouth of Tampa Bay south of St. Much of the western and southern… Read More. History Of the Sunshine Skyway. Today is the 43rd anniversary of the Sunshine Skyway bridge disaster. Photos: 1980 Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster in Tampa Bay. Deadliest bridge collapses in the US in the last 50 years. In Tampa Bay …itself is crossed by the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a 4-mile (6-km) cable-stayed bridge (completed 1987) that was built to replace an earlier bridge damaged by a freighter in 1980. The story ran on the front page of the St. Remembering the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse 42 years later 10 Tampa Bay 269K subscribers Subscribe Share 6K views 10 months ago May 9, 1980, marks one of the most tragic. They were two men on different life journeys. John Lerro was navigating the Summit Venture freighter through the 58. 1980 Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster video. On May 9, 1980, The Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapsed into Tampa Bay, sending vehicles and a Greyhound bus plummeting over 150-feet into the water. The collapsed bridge is under demolition. The Skyway Bridge tragedy: ‘He could’ve swam somewhere’. Flickr creativelenna The freighter known as Summit Venture crashed into the columns under the bridge causing a 1,200-foot portion of the bridge to collapse into the water. The collapsed bridge is under demolition. A foggy 54-car pileup on the new. On May 9, 1980, The Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapsed into Tampa Bay, sending vehicles and a Greyhound bus plummeting over 150-feet into the water. The bridge's support pier was no match for the 20,000-ton ship. The replacement Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987, and still carries commuters and travelers across the bay. The current Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987 and is the second bridge of that name on. Lerro was closing in on a 13 degree turn to port which would take him under the Skyway bridge. Jim Berry and his crew helped with the rescue and recovery effort 35 years ago after the Summit Venture crashed into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Petersburg and Bradenton during a thunderstorm. Atkins was watching the radar, which now showed nothing. Petersburg, Florida Faulty construction was to blame for the collapse of the bridge. On May 9, 1980, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge – an engineering marvel – was struck by a ship. Photos: 1980 Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster. Tampa Bay Times Tampa Bay Times FLORIDA. The harbor pilot who had been steering the ship had nearly zero visibility and put the ship’s engines. — Thursday marks 39 years since the deadly Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse. December 2017 will mark the 50th anniversary of the collapse of Silver Bridge. May 9, 1980, marks one of the most tragic days the Tampa Bay area has ever seen. This series first appeared in the Catalyst in 2020, for the 40th anniversary. A 1,200-foot span of the southbound bridge collapsed into the bay, and. Bridge Collapses Over the Past 50 Years. Thirty-five people died when the bridge over Tampa Bay that joined St. But it hasn't been without its dangers, either. On a stormy day, May 9, 1980, the 19,734-ton. This Sunday, May 9, will mark the 41st anniversary of the day the Skyway Bridge fell. Petersburg, Florida to Terra Ceia. Writer Kent Chetlain put readers inside Berry’s boats. Monday marks 42 years since the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse A freighter crashed into the bridge during a storm on May 9, 1980. TAMPA, Fla. The present Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which replaced both early spans, cost $224 million and opened in April, 1987. Monday marks 42 years since the Sunshine Skyway …. On a stormy day, May 9, 1980, the 19,734-ton Summit Venture freighter, got lost in fog and slammed into the bridge, tearing away a large part of the span, which collapsed in the water below. The bridge collapsed and sent cars and a Greyhound bus hurdling into the water below. The collision caused six cars, a truck, and a. The southbound span (opened in 1971) of the original bridge was destroyed at 7:38 am on May 9, 1980, when the 606 ft (185 m) freighter MV Summit Venturecollided with a support column during a sudden squall, causing the catastrophic failure of over 1,200 ft (370 m) of the span. On May 9, 1980, during a driving rainstorm, a freighter crashed into the support. Remembering the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Collapse. A violent storm shook the waves so hard that a freighter, the Summit Venture, struck the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at 7:33 a. Cypress Street Viaduct (1989) — Oakland, Calif. It was a two-lane beam bridge supported by 32 concrete pillars with a shipping channel opening of 864 feet. 43rd anniversary of Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse. In the story, you'll note that "at least 30" people were thought to have died. Thirty-five people on the bridge at the time died, when. Tuesday marks 43 years since Sunshine Skyway Bridge …. Remembering the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Collapse">Remembering the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Collapse. (WFLA) — Tampa Bay will mark the 42nd anniversary of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster on Monday. (WFLA) — Tampa Bay will mark the 42nd anniversary of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster on Monday. The bridge's support pier was no match for the 20,000-ton ship. Florida Matters: Sunshine Skyway Bridge Disaster 35 Years ">Florida Matters: Sunshine Skyway Bridge Disaster 35 Years. Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse. The bridge's support pier was no match for the 20,000-ton ship. (WFLA) — Tuesday marks 43 years since the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster, an event that sent shockwaves across the Tampa Bay area. On May 9, 1980, a freight ship collided with the pillars of the Sunshine Skyway bridge, causing it to collapse and taking the lives of several people along with it. It was Friday, May 9, 1980 at 7:33 a. A Collision of Guilt: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge Collapse Brick Immortar 1. 9M views 1 year ago Ego in Engineering: The Quebec Bridge Collapse Brick Immortar 374K views 1 year ago. Thirty-five people were killed. On one tragic day in 1980, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge would forever be associated with a devastating event. PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. May 9, 1980, marks one of the most tragic days the Tampa Bay area has ever seen. In 1980, 35 people were killed when a freighter rammed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay in Florida, causing a 1,400-foot section of the southbound span to collapse. 43rd anniversary of Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse. Alsford / Three Lions / Getty Images) The Sunshine Skyway bridge first opened in 1954. Remembering the Skyway Bridge Disaster: 'This Is Not Explainable'. In the story, you’ll note that “at least 30” people were thought to have died. May 9, 1980 – Skyway Bridge disaster May 9, 2022 26 Comments Richard Hornbuckle’s car rests where it skidded to a stop just 14 inches from the edge of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which was struck by the freighter Summit Venture on. The freighter Summit Venture, blinded by a storm, crashed into the bridge’s support columns at 7:33 a. causing a 1,200 span of the bridge to collapse into the bay. A squall of grim weather caused. Early in the morning of May 9, 1980, Capt. Skyway Bridge collapse: Remembering the tragedy 40 years later. The collision caused six cars, a truck, and a Greyhound bus to fall 150 feet into the water, killing 35 people. The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, often referred to as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or the Sunshine Skyway, consists of a pair of long beam bridges with a central cable-stayed bridge that spans Lower Tampa Bay to connect St. Remembering the Skyway Bridge disaster, 39 years later">Remembering the Skyway Bridge disaster, 39 years later. Early in the morning of May 9, 1980, Capt. The original Sunshine Skyway bridge The Sunshine Skyway over the mouth of Tampa Bay, Florida, circa 1960. A portion of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapsed on May 9, 1980, after the freighter Summit Venture struck the bridge during a violent thunderstorm tearing a way a large portion measuring over 1,200 feet in length of the bridge’s surface. Join us on Thursday, May 11 at our Happy Hour with the Historian to learn more about the tragic event. The bridge collapsed and sent cars and a Greyhound bus hurdling into the water below. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge plunged into Tampa Bay 42 years ago One of the worst disasters in bay area history took place when a freighter struck the bridge on May 9, 1980, killing 35 people. As part of our coverage of the 40th anniversary of the Sunshine Skyway bridge disaster, we are republishing this narrative written on May 9, 1980. on May 9, 1980, the freighter MV Summit Venture collided with a pier (support column) of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge during a blinding thunderstorm, sending over 1,200 feet (370 m) of the bridge plummeting into Tampa Bay. Today is the 43rd anniversary of the Sunshine Skyway bridge disaster. A few weeks before he died, Jim Pryor was taking a break from working in the yard of the Seminole home he shared with his wife and 18-year-old son. See historic photos from the Sunshine Skyway bridge disaster. It was Friday, May 9, 1980 -- at 7:33 am -- when the freighter Summit Venture rammed into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge during a severe storm. A 1,200-foot section of the span collapsed on May 9, 1980, sending cars and a bus into Tampa Bay. This Sunday, May 9, will mark the 41st anniversary of the day the Skyway Bridge fell.