Story
This tug was built in 1973 by Main Iron Works in Houma, LA.
Historical Notes
George Schneider (Aug 2026) writes: In 1980 she was purchased by Robert Allen Bludworth for modification with the Bludworth coupling system for locking into the notches on barges. I'm unsure if she was mated to a specific barge at that time.
In 1990 she was mated to the barge DORIS GUENTHER (691889). As CAROLINE McKEE, she's mated to the barge COMMANDER (274472).
Owners & Masters
In 1974-1976 she was owned by David P. Guidry Inc (American Offshore) of Houma LA USA.
In 1981-1989 she was owned by R. A. Bludworth, Houston TX USA.
In 1992-2002 she was owned by Gulfcoast Transit Co, Tampa FL USA.
In 2002-2007 she was owned by Teco Ocean Shipping Inc., Tampa FL USA.
In 2007-2016 she was owned by U. S. United Ocean Services LLC, Tampa FL USA.
In 2016-2019 she was owned by Southern Dawn LLC (Dawn Services), New Orleans LA USA.
In 2019-2026 she was owned by Port City Tug Inc., Muskegon MI USA.
Rebuilds
Rebuilt as a notch tug with a Bludworth coupler.
Repower
By 2026 repowered with two, sixteen cylinder, Alco 16-251E diesel engines for 5600 HP
References
- Merchant Vessels of the United States (1974-1989)
- Merchant Vessels of the United States Annual digital data files, 1992-2026
- cgmix.uscg.mil ↗ (Accessed 15 Aug 2026)
