Marlin II

Mike Wright (British Columbia Nautical History Facebook Group 30/01/2018) reports that "I heard from a friend in Seattle … that the former BC tug 'Marlin II' has been sold and is now apparently in Mexico." Kathy Robertson (Email to Nauticapedia 19/05/2024) stated "The former Marlin II was anchored in Holmes Harbor, Whidbey Island, Washington state for several months spring, summer 2023. It moved to Langley on Whidbey and apparently wintered there. Today, it arrived back in Holmes Harbor. The trim was blue when it first arrived last year with plywood covering the name on the bow and no registration numbers visible. It was flying a US flag. In summer the occupants repainted the trim on the port side to red, and removed the plywood hiding the name. Marlin II is clearly exposed. It's in very, very sad condition. I don't know if the owners haven't the money to restore the boat or what." On 19/07/2024 Duran Laframboise stated "I'm a 38 year old Alaskan heavy equipment operator, A.S.E. master tech, fabricator, and mechanical engineer. I'm the current owner of Marlin II. I have every intention on fulfilling a responsible stewardship of this fine old vessel and returning her to her finest glory. She's had a name change to Shark Lady which is horrid and will be renamed her original name Clayburn. I've read the post on your site regarding her state and location. I'm happy to inform you all that she is in fact in good hands and in good shape. There has been shoddy work performed on her and that is being addressed as well as fresh paint and tackle.

She is not in poor condition and is sitting pretty. Hull is in fantastic shape and engine runs well. I operate all systems routinely and spend what time I can on her sharing her story with friends and family.

She has had every care to mechanical systems required to remain fully functional." Kathy Robertson (Email to Nauticapedia 04/09/2025) stated "From Kathy Robertson again with an update on the Marlin II. Duran Laframboise did appear to keep the engine running and attempted to do some painting, but did not follow through with the promise to restore the Marlin II or rename it to the Clayburn. I’m including photos of its condition and fate so far as I know. Here’s some more recent history. The tug was listed for sale twice that I had found: 1) Wallace Harbor 1906 for sale for $14,900 - Boats-from-USA.com Maybe this is when the Australian couple bought it, I think - Fabricio and Raquel Festu, based on their crowdfunding site to raise money for the conversion - Sharklady - a crowdfunding project in Bellingham by ffestu) 2) Converted Tug Wallace Shipyard For Sale, 76'0", 1906 This is the Boatshed Seattle and it was the Australian couple who put it up for sale. Moored at LaConner I think based on the Boatshed description. When the Australian couple bought the Marlin II, they covered the name with plywood with the intent to rename it the Sharklady, repainted it and were trying to convert it to a whale and shark watching boat. It is unknown how Duran Laframboise came to have it in 2023 – while he claimed to be the owner, the boat registration remained in the Australian couple’s name and is registered with the US Coast Guard. (per an email with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources). January 11, 2025 – the Washington State Department of Natural Resources tagged the boat for overstaying its anchorage and ordered it to be moved from Holmes Harbor. The tug had been anchored (except for a couple day trips) since spring 2024. The DNR is responsible for the derelict vessel removal program for the state. In April 2025, a windstorm blew the tug from its anchorage and it drifted into a nearby residential dock. Two boats retrieved it and tied it to the Nichols Bros. Boat Builders buoy in Holmes Harbor. A couple folk would still occasionally go to the tug, start up the engine, hang out, drink beer and then go back to shore. Other than then starting the engine a few times, they continued to let the boat deteriorate. In June, the DNR posted a notice of intent to take possession of the boat by July 2025, which they did. According to the DNR the registered owners never responded to attempts to contact them, Laframboise told the DNR he moved to Hawaii with no intention of returning or wanting anything to do with the tug. The date passed for owners to claim the tug and the DNR took possession. On July 30th, the DNR did not receive an appeal of the possession and therefore contracted for the tug’s removal from Holmes Harbor. In early August, a contractor placed a containment boom around the Marlin II and brought in (via the San Juan Island Freight) a tanker truck to pump the fuel from the boat. Until the boat was removed, Laframboise and/or his buddies made trips to the boat and retrieved items, most likely personal ones, such as the wind generator Laframboise had added. The following Monday, the contractor had the tug WASP tow the Marlin II to the shipyard in Port Townsend for disposal. I saw it a few days later and took photos. It had been hauled out and set up on blocks. It’s all so sad. I’ll be back in Port Townsend this weekend and will check on it."