US Army Tug ST 44 (1943)
Built and delivered as the CAPTAIN LAWRENCE B. MORRIS
From Tim Colton's original research, we have two entries in our Ships Database ( here and here for the 'small tug' ST 44, original name CAPTAIN LAWRENCE B. MORRIS, built by JK Welding, Brooklyn NY, design type 257 of 74', steel construction completed January 1943, with a note "sold 1954; later ALESSANDRA NERI; scrapped 1986." This note is subject to some doubt; we will retain it here for historical purposes only. Further research into a vessel by the name of ALESSANDRA NERI is required, but is currently elusive.
First update
With thanks to the DeLand Army Tugboat Preservation Group, we note (April 2021) the following addtional data:
1947 : Sold to Geelong Trust (D.G. Hancox & C. Frederich Hancox, Geelong) as the EDWARD J. FAIRLIE (see below, typo in spelling of "FAIRNIE.")
1967 : re-engined 600 AHP Paxman 1978; rebuilt into fishing vessel.
1986: broken up at Livorno (ITA)?
Second update
We have received (September 2024) a copy of a Registry page (CRS A7552) from the National Archives of Australia, and note the following corrections and/or addtional data:
1956 : Registered O/N 61773, no. 4 of 1956 in Geelong, on 14 August 1956 to the Geelong Harbour Trust Commissioners, 16-18, Brougham Place, Geelong, Victoria, as the EDWARD J. FAIRNIE, tonnage 85.40 gross, 76.33 net.
1978 : sold all 64 shares to David Leslie Horton and Scott William Horton, Master Fishermen, 54 Marine Parade, Lakes Entrance. Mortgaged 64 shares to the Commercial Banking Company of Sidney on 7 June 1979
Our correspondent also advised:
1945 purchased by the Geelong Harbour Trust and renamed for the Commissioner of the Trust. 1953/08/21 capsized in swell while berthing MELBOURNE STAR (UK) at Yarra Street Pier, Geelong, Port Phillip, Vic, sank in 3 minutes, crew of 3 narrowly escaped being drowned and were picked up by tug H. A. LUMB, vessel lay in 30' of water, to be raised by MHT crane ENDEAVOUR assisted by the barge TAMBA and wool lighter WANNON. 1953/09/10 a diver secured steel cables under the bow and stern of the tug, supported by 12 huge piles that straddle both TAMBA and WANNON. 1953/09/11 successfully raised using the barges and crane, refloated & subsequently returned to operation. 1956/08/14 registered, Geelong No.4 of 1956. 1976 tug at Geelong. 1978/09/29 surveyed at Geelong following replacement of motor, 450 bhp 14.53 nhp 8 Cy. 7"-7¾" 4SA Ruston Hornsby diesel, made '69. 1983/02/03 transcribed into the Australian Register of Ships. 1993/06 licensed in Tasmania for 40 craypots. Converted to a fishing vessel by 2006. 2006 permit for Eastern tuna billfish fishery, fishing out of Launceston. 340 bhp Caterpillar diesel (needed to be preheated to start). 2024 fishing out of Newcastle, NSW.
Ownership : 1993 H.C.H. & K. Fisheries Pty Ltd (of Queenscliff): 2006 Southern Seas Fishing Pty Ltd (Flinders Island Quota Holdings): 2024 Joey Pinzone
