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 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.

“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)