Photo by: Gary Markham

Built in 1972, by McDermott Shipyards of Morgan City, Louisiana (hull #174) as the Pam Alario for Nolty J. Theriot Offshore Incorporated of Golden Meadow, Louisiana.

In 1987, While transporting components for an oil rig to Brazil, the tug sank approximately 90 miles off of the northeastern coast of Trinidad. The southernmost island of the Lesser Antilles 7 miles off Venezuela's coast.

It was reported that the tug capsized when a sudden right turn caused it to roll. The crew was thrown overboard however were able reached the tug's life raft. The crew drifted for six days, and landed safely on the northeastern shores Trinidad. Authorities stated that the men walked into the police station in Matelot, a fishing village about 55 miles from Port-of-Spain, the capital. The search for the tug covered over 25,000 square miles.

The tug was powered by two, twenty cylinder, 20-645-E5, turbo keel, and grid cooling, diesel engines. With Lufkin RS 422 reduction gears, at a ratio of 6:1. Turning two, 144(in) by 144(in), fixed pitch, cast steel propellers mounted in sort nozzles. For a rated 15,000 horsepower.

Her electrical service is provided by two 99kW LIMA generators. Driven by two GM 8V-71 diesel engines. She is also outfitted with a third, 50kW axillary generator. The tug's capacities are 220,000 gallons of fuel oil, 3,000 gallons of lube oil, and 8,000 gallons of potable water.
(Jan Lattens, Allen Tony)