The tug Chieftain III was built by Benson Bros. Shipbuilding in 1963. It was one of the original tugs known at the time as “hot rods.”

Throughout its working life, the Chieftain has been used primarily for log towing, but it has also done extensive barging work all along the BC coast—from Prince Rupert to Victoria, and along the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Over the years, it has operated under several different companies. In the 1990s, it was even confiscated by the BC government during a major drug seizure, along with a large amount of other equipment.

Unfortunately, the vessel was once sunk at the dock in Horseshoe Bay, but it was later rebuilt and returned to service. There’s also a story—if memory serves—that while towing a barge from the Powell River pulp mill loaded with rail cars at night, the barge overturned. No one seems to know exactly where it happened, and the rail cars are believed to still be on the bottom today.

Nowadays, the Chieftain is owned by Thunder Bay Tugs in Powell River, primarily towing logs out of the Kelsey Bay log sort. It’s still working hard, and the crew seems to really like the old boat for its comfort and classic style.

Story: Bob Heatley

Photographer: Adam Sweeney

Fine art prints are available in both 1 ½” thick canvas or fine art paper.

Canvas prints are Limited Edition (of 100) and come with a Certificate of Authenticity, are “ready to hang” and the sides are black.

Paper prints are open edition (not numbered and do not come with a certificate), and you would need to frame.

*All Prints are made to order, so please add approx. 3-4 weeks after ordering to be made and delivered

*Artist retains all rights to artwork for reproduction

These fine art prints are the perfect alternative to an original. Printed right here on Vancouver Island, these prints have the look and feel of something I have painted myself.

Canvas Print

The natural texture of the canvas produces prints that are often hard to tell from the art original, and because they are not behind glass, offer stunning, rich-colour views from any angle. Award-winning breathing Color LYVE canvas, OBA free, truly archival, & carefully coated with satin coating, which are certified 100+ year archival by the Fine Art Trade Guild. Ready to hang with black side treatment. The stretcher bars are responsibly sourced from sustainable paulownia wood. This lightweight wood is sturdy, durable, and resistant to environmental changes. Canvas prints are a wonderful wall art option because they can look beautifully tailored without an external frame.

Fine Art Paper

“Elegance Velvet” paper is a cold press paper, featuring a subtle texture similar to that of cold pressed watercolor paper. It weighs 300 gsm, giving it a substantial, heavy feel. Made from 100% cotton rag, it is naturally acid-free and archival, making it a standard choice for professional Fine Art reproduction prints. Its longevity is rated for over 100 years. As with most modern prints and papers, when properly stored and framed, they typically exceed the official 100-year rating for fade resistance and durability.