Cindy Zaiontz-DeFelice, daughter of Agnes Zaiontz, christens the new vessel on April 28. (Photo courtesy of Mobile Engineer District)
Boats & Barges

Mobile District Christens New Survey Boat

The Mobile Engineer District, along with officials from the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority, christened the new survey vessel Miss Agnes April 28 in Columbus, Miss.

The 28-foot Miss Agnes is a custom marine survey vessel with an enclosed center console and a three-monitor survey station, powered by twin 200 hp. Mercury SeaPro outboards. It is multi- and single-beam capable.

The new survey vessel Miss Agnes sits docked in Columbus, Miss. (Photos courtesy of Mobile Engineer District.)
The new survey vessel Miss Agnes sits docked in Columbus, Miss. (Photo courtesy of Mobile Engineer District.)

The Miss Agnes is named for the late Agnes Zaiontz, who was the office manager for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority from its opening in 1985. Zaiontz began her time with the authority as a local volunteer. Shortly after the waterway’s grand opening, she became a full-time employee, and ultimately she served for more than 34 years. She passed away in 2019.

Her daughter, Cindy Zaiontz-DeFelice, christened the new boat by breaking a bottle of champagne on the gunwale.

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“We are here today to honor the life of the remarkable lady who had such a positive impact on all of us.” said Mitch Mays, administrator of the authority. “Everyone at the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority is grateful for the Corps of Engineers choosing to honor Mrs. Agnes by choosing to name the survey boat the Miss Agnes.”

Caption for top photo: Cindy Zaiontz-DeFelice, daughter of Agnes Zaiontz, christens the new vessel on April 28. (Photo courtesy of Mobile Engineer District)