Thomas Gaither

Built in 1956 by Dravo Corporation in Wilmington, Delaware, the pushboat Thomas Gaither measured 85’ long and 26’ wide.  She was powered by twin Caterpillar diesel engines generating 2,500 horsepower, and equipped with a hydraulically-operated wheelhouse, capable of elevating nearly four stories above the water.  Vane acquired her from Piney Point Transportation Company and in 1997 she was renamed the Thomas Gaither in honor of Thomas G. Gaither, Vane’s Chief Operating Officer, who joined the company in 1983.

In the summer of 2005, the Thomas Gaither was sold to Hector Margain, president of Porteadores.  She was renamed the Ponosa V, and sailed for the Gulf and Mexico, where she calls on ports throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.