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CHILKAT CHIEF
Pictured as: the Ellen Foss (Foss Launch and Tug) Photo courtesy of: P.S.M.H.S.

Built in 1943, by Calumet Shipyard and Drydock Company of Chicago, Illinois (hull #LT 57) as the LT-57 for the United States Army.

In 1962, the tug was acquired by Foss Launch and Tug of Tacoma, Washington. Where she was renamed as the Ellen Foss.

In 1986, she was acquired by the Sause Brothers Ocean Towing Company of Portland, Oregon. Where was renamed as the Natoma.

In 1991, the tug was acquired by the Island Tug and Barge Company of Seattle, Washington. Where she was renamed as the Chilkat Chief.

In 1996, she was renamed by the Island Tug and Barge Company as the Norman S.

In 2005, she was acquired by Tabard International of Panama City, Panama. Where she was renamed as the Prometheus. Her current, and, or final disposition is unknown. She was a twin engine, single screw tug, rated at 4,000 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: CHILKAT CHIEF
  • USCG Doc. No.: 290315
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 5403738
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WI6026
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: LT-57
  • Ship Builder: CALUMET SHIPYARD & DRYDOCK CO.
  • Year Built: 1943
  • Length: 116
  • Hailing Port: SEATTLE, WA.
  • Hull Depth: 15
  • Hull Breadth: 30
  • Gross Tonnage: 293
  • Net Tonnage: 110
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    LT-57, Ellen Foss, Natoma, CHILKAT CHIEF, Norman S, Prometheus
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    United States Army, Foss Launch and Tug Co., Sause Brothers Ocean Towing Co., ISLAND TUG & BARGE CO, Tabard International SA.