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FOSS No. 21
Pictured as: the Fearless (Tacoma Tug) Photo courtesy of: Capt. Ric Shrewsbury

Built in 1900, by the Tacoma Tug and Barge Company of Tacoma, Washington as the Fearless for Tacoma Tug and Barge Company of Tacoma, Washington.

In 1925, she was acquired by Foss Tug and Launch of Tacoma, Washington. Where she was renamed as the Foss No. 21.

Foss overhauled the tug, which included the installation of an air driven steering system as well as towing winch. For towing barges from Quillayute River to Los Angeles, California.

In 1965, the tug was acquired by the Western Towboat Company of Seattle, Washington. Where she was renamed as the Fearless.

In 1967, she was acquired by an individual named John Schnabel of Juneau, Alaska. Where the tug retained her name.

On January 14th 1982, the tug sank. She was powered by a single, Superior diesel engine. She was a single screw tug, rated at 400 horsepower.
(Captain Ric Shrewsbury, Kyle Stubbs)


  • Vessel Name: FOSS No. 21
  • USCG Doc. No.: 121166
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WA5102
  • Hull Material: WOOD
  • Ship Builder: TACOMA TUG & BARGE CO.
  • Year Built: 1900
  • Length: 80.1
  • Hull Depth: 9.3
  • Hull Breadth: 19.2
  • Gross Tonnage: 95
  • Net Tonnage: 65
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Fearless, Foss No. 21
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Tacoma Tug and Barge Co., Foss Launch and Tug Co., Western Towboat Co., John J. Schnabel