Aerial of Martinolich Shipbuilding facilities and industrial Tideflats. According to the 1971 City Directory, the shipyard was located at 1112 Alexander Avenue. This view on June 29, 1971, shows E. 11th St. intersecting with Alexander with the shipyard in the foreground. Martinolich Shipbuilding was on the Blair Waterway (formerly Port Industrial Waterway) at the site of the former Sprotsman's Marina. Anthony C. Martinolich was listed as the firm's president.

Aerial views; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Launching. The sampan, "Anela," slides gracefully down the ways at Martinolich Shipbuilding on October 18, 1971. The 100 x 25-footer, a modern steel version of the traditional Hawaiian sampan fishing boat, would be used for tuna fishing by Jack Shinsato's Angel Fishing Co., Ltd. "Anela" is the Hawaiian version of Angel. This unique ship was the first ever of its kind built of steel. Instead of standard fishing racks, the "Anela" featured a low stern platform and side guards wide enough for men to stand on and handle nets. Her keel was specifically designed to protect the rudder and single screw from coral reef damage. The "Anela" was able to hold up to 100-tons of tuna in eight seawater-circulating fish wells. She would be powered by a 850-hp diesel engine. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 10-18-71, p. 9)

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Sampans--Tacoma; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Launching party. The "Anela," a 100 x 25-foot steel tuna fishing sampan was launched at Martinolich Shipbuilding facilities on the Blair (formerly Port Industrial) Waterway at high tide in the early morning hours of October 18, 1971. Posed before the ship is the official launching party, including Martinolich president, Anthony Martinolich. Miss Rosemary Shinsato, daughter of owner Jack Shinsato, was the ship's sponsor; she was assisted by her mother, Mrs. Masae Shinsato. Both women are holding large bouquets of long stemmed roses. As a nod to the Hawaiian origins of the owners, fresh flower leis are being worn by everyone in the group. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding. (TNT 10-18-71, p. 9 )

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Sampans--Tacoma; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Shinsato, Rosemary; Shinsato, Masae; Martinolich, Anthony J.; Roses--Tacoma;

Keel laying ceremonies. On June 19, 1971, the keel was laid at Martinolich Shipbuilding for a 100-foot X 25-foot sampan. The sampan is being built for Jack Shinsato and Angel Fishing Co., Ltd. A representative of the Shinsato family is pictured above applying a ceremonial welding to the keel. The man standing on the step above him has not been positively identified but may be a member of the Martinolich family. According to the sign on display before the keel, the sampan was scheduled for launching on November 25, 1971 and completed on December 10th. The fishing boat was actually launched a month ahead of time, on October 18, 1971, at Martinolich's Blair Waterway plant. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp.

Sampans--Tacoma; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Keel laying ceremonies. This is the view overlooking the keel of the new steel sampan being built for Angel Fishing Co., Ltd., by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corporation. The ship, later christened the "Anela," was built on a specially designed shallow-draft square keel to protect the rudder and single screw from potential damage of sharp coral reefs. The keel was placed in the cradle in which the ship will be built. It ran in the middle of the ship, from her bow to stern, and formed the spine of the ship. The keel was laid on June 19, 1971 and launching scheduled for November 25th. Upon completion, the ship would be delivered to her owners for fishing out of Honolulu. However, work on the sampan progressed so rapidly that the launching was actually accomplished ahead of time on October 18, 1971, with members of the Shinsato family present. See D160872, images 2 & A for launching photographs. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 10-18-71, p. 9- article and photo of launching)

Sampans--Tacoma; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Keel laying ceremonies. In lieu of smashing a bottle of champagne, Japanese sake is gently poured over the keel of a new steel sampan being built at Martinolich Shipbuilding facilities on Alexander Ave. The family of Jack Shinsato, Honolulu owners, do the honors on June 19, 1971. The sampan will be 100-feet X 25-feet and when completed in December, will be used for fishing in Hawaiian waters. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp.

Sampans--Tacoma; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Shinsato, Jack--Family;