Vesta (Towboat, 1931-1948)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Screw propeller
• BOAT TYPE: Towboat
• BUILT: 1931 by Ward Engineering Works, Charleston, West Virginia
• BECAME: James A. Rankin
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Renamed James A. Rankin in May, 1948
• OWNERS: Jones and Laughlin Steel Company
• OFFICERS & CREW: Captain Frank R. Culp (1937); Captain Ralph Seely
• RIVERS: Ohio River; Kanawha River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - T2521; Duplicate of the towboat Henry A. Laughlin (1931). In the spring of 1937 she was involved in flood relief work for Gallipolis and Huntington. Captain Frank R. Culp of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, then age 76, was her commander in this work. Later she was commanded by Captain Ralph Seely
• PHOTO DESCRIPTION: With barges in tow