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NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive

California Bear (FS-123)

Precedence of awards is from left to right
American Campaign Medal - World War II Victory Medal

Freight-Supply Vessel

Laid down in 1940 as the wooden-hulled fishing vessel FV California Bear (I) by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp.,Tacoma WA.

Launched in 1940

Placed in service in 1940, owner unknown

Acquired by the US Army Quartermaster Corps, date unknown

Assigned to the US Army Transportation Corps as California Bear (FS-123), name retained

Retired from US Army service, date unknown

Sold, date unknown,renamed Ocean Cape (II)

Sold, circa 1957, renamed Norprince

Sold in 1958 to North Shore Packing Co. Ltd., North Vancouver, BC, reflagged Canada

In 1961-1967 she was owned by J.H. Todd & Sons Ltd., Vancouver BC.

Circa 1967, renamed Mary Todd

In 1970-1981 she was owned by British Columbia Packers Ltd., Richmond BC.

In 1982-1984 she was owned by Richard B. Michelson (MO), Sointula BC.

In 1984-1991 she was owned by Andrew Clarke, Surrey BC.

In 1992 she was owned by Percy Clarke, Vancouver BC.

In 1993-2003 she was owned by Terry A. Salo, Victoria BC.

Circa 2004, renamed Canadian Spirit (II)

Circa 2011, renamed Ocean Cape

In 2012 she was owned by Mary Kay Fisheries, LLC Bellevue, WA USA., renamed Mary Kay (II), reflagged USA

Final Disposition, sank, 26 July 2012, at Dixon Entrance, Alaska (54°38.015′ N, 132°04.334′ W), Near Cape Chacon, Prince of Wales Island, Alaska

Specifications:
Displacement 117 gross tons
Length 79'
Beam 22'
Draft 10'
Speed unknown
Freight Capacity unknown
Complement unknown
Armament unknown

Propulsion

single 220bhp diesel engine

single screw

Click On Image For Full Size Image	Size	Image Description	Contributed By
California Bear (FS-123)
300712302	218k	*Namesake* Califorina Bear The California grizzly bear is an extinct population or subspecies of the brown bear, generally known as the grizzly bear. The grizzly became a symbol of the Bear Flag Republic, a short-lived attempt by a group of U.S. settlers to break away from Mexico in 1846. Later, this rebel flag became the basis for the state flag of California, and then California was known as the "Bear State". (Wikipedia) Photos - California Bear (Ursus arctos californicus) Santa Barbara, Natural History Museum, 24 NOvember 2019, Phto by Vahe Martirosyan (FLICKR10) and California Bear State logo	Tommy Trampp
Commercial Service
300712303	213k	FV Mary Kay (II) underway, date and location unknown. The Nauticapedia, Drew Clarke collection	Tommy Trampp
300712304	240k	FV Mary Kay (II) on the ways at West Bay Shipyard, Vancouver, B.C. The main cabin from FV Sun Fisher was purchased to re-configure the upper deck of *Mary Kay (II)* adding a new larger wheelhouse. The Nauticapedia, Drew Clarke collection	Tommy Trampp
300712305	226k
300712306	268k
300712307	234k
300712308	35k	FV Mary Kay (II) moored at West Bay Shipyard, Vancouver, B.C., date unknown. The Nauticapedia, Drew Clarke collection	Tommy Trampp
300712301	58k	FV Mary Kay (II) on the hard at Port Townsend Shipwrights Co Op, Port Townsend, WA., May-June 2012. The Nauticapedia	John Spivey

There is no history record available for California Bear (FS-123) at NavSource
Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
National Transportation Safety Board Marine Accident Brief Sinking of Fishing Vessel Mary Kay

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This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo

Last Updated 16 June 2023