Story
This tug was built in 1943 by Sturgeon Bay Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co..
Historical Notes
George Schneider (Aug 2026) writes: Throughout her time with Andrie Inc., her documents showed her name as ROBERT PURCELL, but her hull read ROBERT W. PURCELL so I've included both names here. She's a standard Army design 320 Dredge Tender, which duplicates pre-war commercial designs.
Owners & Masters
In 1943 she was owned by the U. S. Army.
In 1963-1968 she was owned by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In 1968-1988 she was owned by Sea Scout Ship 5011, Appleton WI.
In 1988-1991 she was owned by the City of Manistee, Manistee MI USA.
In 1991-1994 she was owned by Norman C. and William O. Nelson.
In 1994-2017 she was owned by Andrie Inc., Muskegon MI USA.
In 2017-2020 she was owned by Selvick Marine Towing Corp., Sturgeon Bay WI USA.
In 2020-2026 she was owned by Sarter Marine Towing Co., Sturgeon Bay WI USA.
Repower
By 2026 credited with 450 HP
References
- Merchant Vessels of the United States Annual digital data files, 1996-2026
- cgmix.uscg.mil ↗ (Accessed 15 Aug 2026)
- Correspondence with Capt. Pat Thompson, Army Corps of Engineers.
