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TEXACO EXPLORER
Pictured as: the Interstate Explorer (Interstate) Photo from: Robert Lewis Collection

Built in 1959, by the Dravo Corporation of Wilmington, Delaware (hull #3896) as the Dravo Pioneer for the Dravo Corporation of Wilmington, Delaware.

After her construction many companies expressed interest in chartering the tug but not purchasing it. The Dravo Corporation had installed a kort nozzle on the tug as a demonstration.

In 1959, the tug was chartered by the for the Dalzell Towing and Transportation Company of New York, New York. Where she retained her name.

In 1961, she was chartered by the Interstate Oil Transportation Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1971, the tug was acquired by Interstate Oil Transportation Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Where she was renamed as the Interstate Explorer.

In 1980, she was acquired by the Texaco Marine Company Incorporated of Beaumont, Texas. Where the tug was renamed as the Texaco Explorer.

In 1982, the tug sank in the Gulf of Mexico. Outfitted with a kort nozzle, and flanking rudder. She was a single screw tug, rated at 1,640 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: TEXACO EXPLORER
  • USCG Doc. No.: 280247
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 6162020
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 3896
  • Ship Builder: Dravo Corporation
  • Year Built: 1959
  • Length: 93.6
  • Hull Depth: 12.2
  • Hull Breadth: 27
  • Gross Tonnage: 224
  • Net Tonnage: 151
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Dravo Pioneer, Interstate Explorer, Texaco Explorer
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Dravo Corporation, Interstate Oil Transportation Co., Texaco Marine Co. Inc.