Home Search Links About Us Updates Login
SUN CHIEF
Pictured as the: Sun Chief (Vane Brothers) Photo by: The Vane Brothers Company

Built in 1971, by Atlantic Marine Incorporated of Jacksonville, Florida (hull #76) as the Sun Chief for Sun State Marine Services Incorporated of Jacksonville, Florida. A subsidy of the Colonial Oil Company of Savannah, Georgia.

In 2002, the Chatham Towing Company merged with the Colonial Towing Company of Savannah, Georgia. To form the Chatham-Colonial Towing Company of Savannah, Georgia. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2013, the Chatham-Colonial Towing Company was acquired by the Vane Brothers Company of Baltimore, Maryland. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2020, she was acquired by the Crofton Diving Corporation of Portsmouth, Virginia. Where the tug was renamed as the Eastern Branch.

She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 850 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: SUN CHIEF
  • USCG Doc. No.: 536753
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 8971566
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WYZ6441
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 76
  • Ship Builder: ATLANTIC MARINE INC
  • Year Built: 1971
  • Length: 64
  • Hailing Port: JACKSONVILLE, FL.
  • Hull Depth: 7.7
  • Hull Breadth: 25.2
  • Gross Tonnage: 142
  • Net Tonnage: 96
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    SUN CHIEF
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Sun State Marine Services Inc., COLONIAL TOWING INC, VANE LINE BUNKERING INC