MARITIME DAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 22 MAY

 

Left: Captain Les Reynolds in command of the 

 Army tug TATNUCK, the winner of Class A, 

First Annual Maritime Day Tug Races, 1949.

Right:  Captain Milt Ness,

skipper of the Army tug S.T. 860,

winner of Maritime Day Tug Race, Class B, 1949.

Seattle, Washington.

The amount of horsepower decides the

classification for entries.

Both vessels were to be out to defend their titles

in the Maritime Day races of 1950.

To keep the plaques tugs must win

three out of five years.

Click image to enlarge.

Original gelatin-silver photograph by

Joe Williamson, Neg. 4161-24 taken on

4 May 1950 from the archives of the

Saltwater People Historical Society©

"In 1933, Congress declared National Maritime Day to commemorate the American steamship SAVANNAHA’s voyage from the United States to England, marking the first successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean with steam propulsion, May 24-–June 20, 1819. During World War II more than 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marine served their country, with more than 6,700 giving their lives, hundreds being detained as prisoners of war and more than 800 U.S. merchant ships being sunk or damaged.
        Maritime Day is a time-honored tradition that recognizes one of our country’s most important industries. Each year, ceremonies and celebrations throughout the country recognize Maritime Day and the people our maritime nation depends on."
Source: The US Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration.

On 13 May 2022, The Seattle Propeller Club and the Port of Seattle had a Maritime Day breakfast at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront sponsored by Crowley.