Home Search Links About Us Updates Login
SOUTHERN BRANCH
Pictured as: the Southern Branch (Robbins Maritime) Photo by: Capt. Brian Fournier

Built in 1966, by McDermott Shipyard Incorporated of Amelia, Louisiana (hull #130) as the Nicole D. Defelice II for the Defelice Marine Towing Company of Lake Charles, Louisiana

In 1980, the Defelice Marine Towing Company was acquired by Gulf Fleet Marine Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1985, Zapata Marine Service, Gulf Fleet Marine Incorporated, and Jackson Marine Services merged to form Zapata Gulf Marine Service Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1992, Zapata Gulf Marine Service Incorporated merged with Tidewater Marine Incorporated of New Orleans, Louisiana. Where the tug retained her name,

In 1998, the tug was acquired by Robbins Maritime Incorporated of Norfolk, Virginia. Where the tug was renamed as the Southern Branch.

In 2005, the tug was acquired by Immel's Marine Incorporated of Christiansted, Virgin Islands. Where she was renamed as the Commander.

In 2015, she was acquired by Cape Towing Incorporated of Wilton Manors, Florida, where the tug was renamed as the Cape Lookout.

She is no longer listed in documentation. Her current, and or final disposition is unknown. She was a twin screw tug, rated at 3,600 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: SOUTHERN BRANCH
  • USCG Doc. No.: 505322
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 6806638
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WX7326
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 130
  • Ship Builder: MCDERMOTT SHIPYARD
  • Year Built: 1966
  • Length: 97.1
  • Hull Depth: 7.8
  • Hull Breadth: 28
  • Gross Tonnage: 144
  • Net Tonnage: 98
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    NICOLE D. DEFELICE II, SOUTHERN BRANCH, COMMADER, CAPE LOOKOUT
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Defelice Marine Towing Co., Gulf Fleet Marine Inc., Tidewater Marine Inc., ROBBINS MARITIME, INC, IMMEL'S MARINE INCORPORATED, CAPE TOWING INC