Home Search Links About Us Updates Login
LAVACA BAY
Pictured as: the Lavaca Bay (Kirby Corporation) Photo by: Birk Thomas

Built in 2009, by Hope Services Incorporated of DuLac, Louisiana (hull #169) as the Lavaca Bay for Higman Barge Lines Incorporated of Houston, Texas.

In 2018, Higman Barge Lines Incorporated was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where the tug was renamed as the Deaf Smith.

Powered by two, Cummins KTA38-M0 diesel engines. With Twin Disc redacting gears, at a ratio of 6.14:1. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 2,000 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: LAVACA BAY
  • USCG Doc. No.: 12223940
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDF2105
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 169
  • Ship Builder: Hope Services, Inc.
  • Year Built: 2009
  • Length: 72
  • Hailing Port: HOUSTON, TX.
  • Hull Depth: 10
  • Hull Breadth: 30
  • Gross Tonnage: 144
  • Net Tonnage: 115
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    LAVACA BAY
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    HOPE SERVICES INC, HIGMAN BARGE LINES INC