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MARY ELIZABETH
Pictured as the: Wilbie (Inter Ocean Ltd.) Photo by: Hans Van Der Ster

Built in 1943, by Levingston Shipyard of Orange, Texas in 1943 (hull #285) as the ATR-49 for the United States Navy and Royal Navy.

In 1943, the tug was transferred to Britain under the Lend Lease Act. Where she was redesignated as the W 136 ( HMS Vagrant).

In 1946, she was retuned to the United States Navy. Where she was renamed as the ATA-129.

In 1947, the tug was acquired by the Moran Towing Company of New York, New York. Where she was renamed as the Marion Moran.

In 1964, she was acquired by John Mecum of Houston, Texas. Where she was renamed as the Mary Elizabeth.

In 1971, the tug acquired by Asia Maritime of Singapore. Where she was renamed as the Ann Lee.

In 1972, she was acquired Inter-Ocean Towing Limited of Singapore. Where she was renamed as the Wilbie.

In 1981, the tug transferred to Inter-Ocean Towing Limited of Panama. Where was renamed as the Columbia I. And, reflagged in Panama.

In 1983, the tug was scrapped. Powered by a single, General Motors 12-278A diesel electric engine. With a Fairbanks Morse reduction gear. She was single screw, rated at 1,800 horsepower.

Her electrical service was provided by two, 60kW/120V D.C. diesel drives. The tug's capacities where 1,300 barrels of fuel.
(NavSource Online)


  • Vessel Name: MARY ELIZABETH
  • USCG Doc. No.: 254582
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 285
  • Ship Builder: LEVINGSTON SHIPBUILDING
  • Year Built: 1943
  • Length: 143
  • Hull Depth: 14.6
  • Hull Breadth: 33
  • Gross Tonnage: 498
  • Net Tonnage: 201
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    ATR-49, (W 136) HMS Vagrant , Marion Moran, Mary Elizabeth, Ann Lee, Wilbie, Columbia I
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    United States Navy, British Royal Navy, United States Navy, Moran Towing Co., Asia Maritime, Inter-Ocean Towing Ltd.