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CAPT. LATHAM
Photo by: Julian Leek

Built in 1982, by Main Iron Works Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana (hull #375) as the Courageous for Dixie Offshore Transport Incorporated of Houston, Texas.

In 1998, the tug was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where she retained her name.

In 2015, she was acquired by the Smith Maritime Ocean Towing and Salvage Company of Palatka, Florida. Where the tug was renamed as the Capt. Latham. Named for Smith Maritime owner, and founder, Captain Latham Smith.

In 2022, the tug was phased out of active service and was "laid up" at Amelia, Louisiana.

Powered by two, Alco-12-251-E diesel engines. With Reinjes WAV-2626 reduction gears, at a ratio of 5.94:1. Turning two, four bladed, 126(in) by 122(in), fixed pitch propellers, mounted in kort nozzles. She is a twin screw tug, rated at 6,860 horsepower.

Her electrical service is provided by two, 150kW generator sets. Driven by two, Detroit V871 diesel engines. And, a third 140kW, Deutz SSE Model 5110 generator set. The tug's capacities are 173,250 gallons of fuel, 2,250 gallons of lube oil, and 25,000 gallons with an FCI Watermaker.

The towing equipment consists of a Markey TDS-36 towing winch. Outfitted with 2,400(ft) of 2.25(in) towing wire. And, a secondary Almon Johnson towing winch. Outfitted with 1800(ft) of 2.25(in) towing wire.


  • Vessel Name: CAPT. LATHAM
  • USCG Doc. No.: 653305
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 8109735
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WDH4276
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 375
  • Ship Builder: MAIN IRON WORKS INC
  • Year Built: 1982
  • Length: 127.4
  • Hailing Port: PALATKA, FL.
  • Hull Depth: 14
  • Hull Breadth: 40
  • Gross Tonnage: 161
  • Net Tonnage: 109
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    COURAGEOUS, COURAGEOUS, CAPT. LATHAM
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    DIXIE FUELS LIMITED, DIXIE OFFSHORE TRANSPORTATION COMPANY, KIRBY OCEAN TRANSPORT COMPANY, CAPT LATHAM LLC