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MELISSA BADEAUX
Pictured as: the Tristen (La Carriers Incorporated) Photo by: Captain Ted

Built in 1980, by the Louis G. Ortis Boat Company of Krotz Springs, Louisiana (hull #99) as the Melissa Badeaux for Badeaux Marine Transport Incorporated of Harvey, Louisiana.

In 1985, the tug was acquired by River King Incorporated of Harvey, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the River King.

In 1988, she was acquired by Nolty J. Theriot Incorporated of Golden Meadow, Louisiana. Where the tug was renamed as the Pebble Beach. Where she was leased to Tidewater Marine Service, Incorporated of New Orleans, Louisiana.

In 1989, the tug was acquired by the Marine Inland Transportation Company of Marrero, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the Marine Progress.

In 2000, she was acquired by the International Towing and Transportation Company Incorporated of Larose, Louisiana. Where the tug was renamed as the Brody James.

In 2003, the tug was acquired by La Carriers Transportation Services Incorporated of Larose, Louisiana. Where she was renamed as the Lady Roz.

In 2010, La Carriers Transportation Services Incorporated renamed the tug as the Tristen.

In 2018, the tug was acquired by the Vidalia Dock and Storage Company Incorporated of Natchez, Mississippi. Where she was renamed as the Sonny J.

In 2021, the Vidalia Dock and Storage Company was acquired by Terral RiverServices of Lake Providence, Louisiana. Where the tug retained her name.

Powered by two, Cummins KTA19 diesel engines. With Twin Disc reduction gears, at a ratio of 7:1. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 1,200 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: MELISSA BADEAUX
  • USCG Doc. No.: 624878
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WDK4171
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 99
  • Ship Builder: Louis G. Ortis Boat Co.
  • Year Built: 1980
  • Length: 61
  • Hailing Port: LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA
  • Hull Depth: 10
  • Hull Breadth: 24
  • Gross Tonnage: 89
  • Net Tonnage: 60
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Melissa Badeaux, RIVER KING, Pebble Beach, MARINE PROGRESS, BRODY JAMES, LADY ROZ, TRISTEN
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Badeaux Marine Transport Inc., River King Inc., Nolty J. Theriot Inc., Marine Inland Transportation Co., INTERNAT'L TOWING & TRANS CO INC., LA CARRIERS LLC, LA CARRIERS LLC, VIDALIA DOCK AND STORAGE COMPANY INCORPORATED