Tug Life - Highlights of a 28 day hitch on a ocean tugboat trip to Cuba

On this episode I bring you guys along on a 28 day hitch on an ocean going tugboat. We tow a barge from Jacksonville, FL to Guantanamo Bay Naval Station in Cuba. There is bad storms, amazing weather, and an afternoon off to snorkel a Cuban reef! We even get some trolling in!
Contact me at: [e-mail]

[@mikesprouse9502]

Friend, you are showing me things I would never see on my own. I'm grateful! Peace!

[@frankquesnel2768]

I did that work for years...you brought back some good memories. Thanks for the video brother

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Awesome thanks 🇺🇸

[@bwalbridge]

As someone who sits at a desk all day, I envy you. While it may be a hard job, the experiences you have are amazing.

[@Freebirdz3]

As a young Navy Seabee I was stationed at GTMO in 1980-1982. This video brought back some great memories of scuba diving there. More than a few beach parties at Windmill Beach.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

That’s Awesome!

[@JohnKane-c8x]

Thank you for this video showing free diving in Cuba. I know how much easier and enjoyable it is to free dive without a camera, so thank you for sharing.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@douglassmith1632]

Yes, I can confirm from my time in the Navy life at sea isn't always a pleasure cruise! When the sea kicks up and gets real nautical, the fun just begins!! Love the pictures of Gitmo, brings back memories. Thanks for sharing your adventures

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardloup4508]

A lot of people think it’s a vacation man lol! Until they get on a boat lol I run one up in New Orleans area and I have done the 14-7 and absolutely the worst is being away from family!, but now I’m at a go home every night gig lol but wouldn’t trade my last 30 years for anything this industry has provided a very good life for. My family ,,,all my kids were born and raised to adults around boats!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Yes sir! You understand it!

[@kjewell91]

I don’t pray much but when I do I always say a little special bit asking for those away from their family to feel a warm sense of comfort when they lay down to sleep. I hope the homesickness stays at bay. Keep the videos up good sir.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thank you 🙏🏼 🇺🇸

[@davewylie654]

That's nice of you and appreciated

[@Cherry_Koolaid]

God bless you

[@josephevancho6434]

GLAD A PRAYER IS AT LEAST GIVING BY YOU SHALOM

[@rudycarlson8245]

@@TugTrashOutdoors how long is each hitch that you do on the tugboat or does it depend on the trip?

[@stevenstrassberg3776]

What a fun,interesting, and beautiful vlog. Thank you for showing us all that. That storm looked crazy scary to me.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

🇺🇸💪🏽

[@vvogt4252]

Awesome Video, Been a Long time Since I Saw Guantanamo Cuba. Last time was 1981 serving on USS Independence. Thanks for bringing Supplies to Military on the Rock.

[@davidasimkosr4641]

I was there on uss Independence in 1969 and was at GITMO.....

[@davidasimkosr4641]

Tug you need to walk the beaches with a metal locator, other than good exercise you might find some Spanish gold and silver coins that the hurricanes pushed up to the beaches!!!!

[@mtyhntr49]

Ty for your service. In the 70's I was attached to VA-34 BLUEBLASTERS A6 Intruders and was on the Jfk and then we broke in the Eisenhower CVN69 brand new. You just brought back a flood of Gitmo memories. I thank you and I thank Tug for all the good times on the water. 😊

[@michellemorgan6295]

Thanks for bringing us along it’s so cool to see new places when you can’t visit them yourself God Bless

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Glad you like them! 🇺🇸

[@jemimanour1686]

@@TugTrashOutdoors Does your tug tow the barge we see in the video behind ? If so what is the towing capacity of your tug ?

[@coyterrell4464]

Nice scene swap in the into. That was awesome!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pedenmk]

You all eating good. Nothing better than fresh fish. Great episode thanks.

[@joecomet1938]

Love seeing your trips. This is something the average person doesn’t think about.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thank you

[@Thats_That_Dude]

My grandfather retired from Moran. It really is tough being on a tug. Hats off to you guys.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

It’s definitely not for everyone!

[@No_ReGretzky99]

​@@TugTrashOutdoorsI've watched the feel your videos and some man I'm single with no kids and would love to get into this type of trade but I want to start from the bottom because I want to learn the ropes and do physical work how does a woman find a company to get hired on with with no experience I don't want to be a copilot or pilot thank you very much

[@samnorman5594]

Ian I loved these tug boat videos. It brings back memories of the days in GCS. I always loved getting on the boat with Lathan and the men and hear the stories of the seas when they would come back from Texas or Africa. I know how hard y'all work and I thank you for all you do in being a part of keeping the goods we need moving. Crystal must be a great wife to take care of everything while you are working. I look forward ,as you do I'm sure, to the day that all you do is make GREAT videos for us to enjoy. God Bless my friend. Sammy

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Well I just got home so lots of great family content coming!

[@raymondbradley6788]

Awesome video brother. Thanks for sharing this.👍👍👍

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! 🇺🇸

[@robertlittle8672]

Really did enjoy this video, the clarity of your snorkel dive was awsome, and your Mahi made me very very hungry!! Glad to see that Atleast sometimes you get a little R&R.GREAT VID TUG.KEEP UM COMING, TIGHT LINES AS WELL BROTHER!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks a ton

[@jonathanparry9505]

That grilled fish looked delicious

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@235buz]

Awesome video guys. I was stationed at Gitmo in 1974 for six months as a Marine tank commander.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Cool!

[@PulseDocs]

We need more tug videos! Keep em coming PLEASE!!! 😊

[@davidcatlette9697]

The rewards bat at the end of a long working day is the best !

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Yes sir 🇺🇸

[@mtl-ss1538]

@@TugTrashOutdoors .. But can he make a Cheese Toasted Sandwich. !!!

[@dilboteebaggins6147]

I love your tug boat videos. Keep up the awesome work!!!!!!

[@gregholmes3661]

Hats off to the people who make their living on the water, you all have my admiration and appreciation for what you do

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thank you

[@robingrussling7795]

Just found the channel. Love the trips on the water.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Welcome aboard!

[@John-yt5zr]

Another great video, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it 🇺🇸

[@redbirdsjunkie]

I remember requesting tug boat videos a while back and you responded letting me know they were in the pipeline. Love watching these, keep 'em comin!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Glad you like them! 🇺🇸

[@bass2470]

your channel has become my new favorite youtube channel. keep it up.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Wow, thanks! 🇺🇸

[@Trump_y_Gore_Won]

Nice video, sir. Thank you for the tour. The thumbnail for this video is awesome - you are a thumbnail God.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

I try thanks

[@PSSKDerby]

Great video Tug! I can’t imagine what it’s like to be out on the water in ‘hurricane’ conditions. You guys are awesomely crazy or crazily awesome. Lol. I totally respect the work you do as someone has to do it and it’s not me. Be real. Thank you! The views you get to see from the ocean are simply amazing. I’ve seen them in the pacific off British Columbia and in Atlantic Canada, where I live many times. The raw beauty from the ocean is majestic. Your bbq and beans looks so delicious. Keep them coming. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thank you!!!!!

[@Salty80556]

Just found your channel..... I love everything doing with the Sea. You run a great boat with a great crew. Keep up the great work. I will work to catch up with all you have posted so far.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching

[@jaimemullock9116]

That sunrise to lightening transition was great. Surprised the heck out of me!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@kevingushlawtruthseeker3493]

your cooking recipe reminds me of the food channel I wanted to start called "AVERAGE JOES COOKING SHOW" where guys like this would through something together and share it with the rest of us. who needs those fancy cooking shows. this is REAL FOOD.

[@robertweigandt9449]

Great looking dinner and great video.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

🇺🇸

[@reubinbishop8010]

That was such a cool transition for the intro! Very nice. Great video.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Hahaha I thought that was slick too! Thx! 🇺🇸

[@randallkirby8607]

Enjoyed it. Keep them coming.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks, will do! 🇺🇸

[@fishinfool3795]

Seeing the nautical weather I am reminded of my Navy days in the 80's and 90's. Saw some very crazy stuff out there. Thanks for bringing us along man. God bless ya'. Never got to Gitmo. One of my buddies did. He told me some crazy stories about shark attack victims body parts washing up on the beach.

[@1.5acrefarmer42]

Dang. Jaws stories. What are the crazy things you saw?

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

😲😲😲

[@fjb4932]

We've caught Hammerhead shark in the bay at Gitmo. Most were sub adult, in the 3 ft range. But a 3ft shark looks double that size when you're in the water. Hammerhead are know maneater ( despite "experts" who claim attacks are accidental ). These were the young, adults are Huge. But B-B-Q'd with slushi Red Stripe beer, not much better . . . ☆

[@user-tp1lp4hj8o]

I work tugs in Hawaii and California, Mexico and you name it. I’ve been a merchant marine for 45 years and yes, it’s moments of pleasure and hours of terror.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Yep lol

[@zzach6146]

Love the videos sir!!!! Thank you

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

🙌🏽🇺🇸

[@stevejessup1022]

Nice work mate, enjoy the videos and seeing some of the life over there

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thank you! I love watching Australia videos. On my bucket list to come down there and film.

[@stevejessup1022]

@@TugTrashOutdoors I'm in New Zealand mate but honest mistake 🤣🤣🤣

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

@@stevejessup1022 ahhh 🤦🏼‍♂️ well I’m a dummy! New Zealand is on my list as well!

[@earlalford7694]

Thank man it is tuff to be away from the one's you love best wishes for you and your family

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Hardest part of the job 🇺🇸

[@slatonstyles2375]

been out of the Navy for 11 years makes me want to pack up and move to FL and hop on a boat! thanks for Video!!

[@JR-jw3px]

like a working vaycay. thanks for the ride along 👍

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Oh I’m make it look like more fun than it really is!

[@Jesus_Saves_Believers]

This is perhaps one of the coolest videos I have seen in awhile (and I watch a shit ton of videos). God bless you. Praying for your safety!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@stephendegrotto9221]

Reminds me of my time at sea. I enjoy every aspect of your life at sea.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@Antipodean33]

The rumble sound in the background when you were doing your intro is a glorious sound. I often watch the tugs work in my state of South Australia along the Port River where they are berthed and they move down to meet the container and car carrier ships off Outer Harbor and i've always thought that would be an great job. Excellent clip, cheers

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks buddy

[@markthomas4083]

Viewing your video from northern Nevada, mid Jan. This video was soothing to the soul. I appreciate the humble and entertaining video.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Appreciate it!

[@SteveB-hy2ci]

Thanks I'll be watching 😊

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

🇺🇸

[@richardvernick4280]

Say do not be shy to show the down and dirt part of tug boat work part of that life. Thank you for the video. Take care and smooth sailing. 👍👀

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks 👍

[@majr72]

Holy moly man what a video thanks for letting us in to your world. Y’all stay safe out there. Would really like to hear any crazy stories you have that y’all may have experienced while out there in the oceans.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Maybe I’ll do a video of “sea stories” 🇺🇸

[@ammohead73]

Great looking meal brother!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks for watching

[@jamescooper7957]

I sailed with Transatlantic when they had that run. It was a good run when the weather cooperated. I definitely miss Gitmo.

[@gdi24-7]

Looked like a beautiful sunrise with those orange and red hues. Red sky at night, sailors' delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning. .

[@coleparks1812]

This was so awesome to watch, and brought back so many memories! I had the blessing of visiting visit Gitmo a while back while my dad was deployed there, I've got some wild GoPro videos snorkeling at windmill (and sea glass) beach! Lots of sea urchins and incredible marine life when I was there, most incredible dive sites I've seen. I definitely recommend a jog up windmill hill if you wanna hate your life😉 probably the coolest locations a person can visit. Glad I found your channel, thanks for the great content and sharing your adventures, keep it up!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks for coming! Windmill hill is breathtaking

[@AndrewAngus-s3y]

Love looking at your job I'm from Guernsey a small island off France Good job Andy 😊

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks Andy

[@paulcaldwell3328]

Really enjoyed this video!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thank you! 🇺🇸

[@geraldeklund2245]

Spent many hours partying at Windmill Beach. Thanks for the Gitmo memories!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Awesome!

[@JoeyMons-m7o]

I worked on towboats & tugboats 35 years of my life. Ms river, giww, ms sound, and many other places Wish I could go back

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Awesome

[@mikealguire6342]

Awesome video as always bud.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thank you buddy 🇺🇸

[@fishinfool3795]

I'm 2 weeks into the Mediterranean diet and feeling fantastic. That meal would fit perfectly into my recipes. Unfortunately, I have no way to get fresh Mahi here in Wisconsin. Sigh. I'm going to try this one out using whatever larger freshwater fish I can manage to catch. Bass, walleye, pike, hell even a drum would work I'm guessing. Love your videos sir.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

I love some Pike! Just got to cut the Y bone out! 🇺🇸

[@tonypollard244]

I loved that video fing awesome nice job

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

🤘🏽🇺🇸

[@mccarthysoutdoorsandgunclu446]

I ALWAYS loved being on the wire. I worked a 220' AHTS supply vessel. Made 4 tows from Santa Barbara, Ca to above the pribiloff Islands, Northern Bering Sea. Loved tug life. So very few, have what it takes, to be a Mariner. I went to sea, right out of high school, on Crewboats.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Very cool! I haven’t been up to Alaska yet

[@mccarthysoutdoorsandgunclu446]

@@TugTrashOutdoors I worked out of Dutch Harbor for 2 years. I HAVE been through bad weather. 60' seas, 100-110 mph winds. That place is an adventure.

[@mccarthysoutdoorsandgunclu446]

@@TugTrashOutdoors i watched you vid of the crossing to Gitmo and spearfishing. Ifell in love. NOT IN A BUD LIGHT sort of way🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 as a TUG LOVIN Mariner. What are your tug specs. Loa and beam? She's a gorgeous tug. And you're so true. Few people realize, just how life truly is on a vessel. Wanna break a cherry. Watch em with a needle gun. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 those two words still make my hand vibrate.

[@kraemersfishing4336]

Another great video! I just got back from an offshore fishing trip. I had to do a double take with one of the guys that went with us he really could of been your twin. I showed him your videos and he was freaked out how much y’all look like twins.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Poor guy 😆

[@robbieevans6536]

So cool that they have that kind of reef just ninety miles from Florida.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Well GITMO is quite a bit more than 90 miles but ya!

[@gilbertdelgado6703]

I liked this video very much, it was very interesting. Thank you!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thank you too!

[@davidsawchak1330]

I love all your vids and the tug ones too thanks for all the hard work you do to bring us nice vids to watch! Also wanted to mention all the sacrifice you must have made to be able to do paperwork in the ac to be first mate that is!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 trust me I’ve done my share of work in the sun! I was just ribbing the new guy a little. 🇺🇸

[@davidsawchak1330]

@@TugTrashOutdoors Happy 4th Tug!

[@kevinmahon4460]

Awesome! Thanks for the content

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Glad you liked it! 🇺🇸

[@perrybutler5970]

I love seeing that part of the country. I was stationed in Veagus, PR for 6 months while in the Marine Corps in 1966. I learned to dive, while there and spent every free moment enjoying that crystal clear water. Great memories, thank you for sharing/ PB

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Very cool! Thanks for the support?

[@lois2148]

Outstanding video👍 You have come a long way in 1 year. Keep em coming 🇺🇸

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks 🇺🇸

[@patdempsey8768]

Love your videos

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@granada025]

Good video, enjoyed it.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

🤙🏽🇺🇸

[@WayneCory]

That looke😂😢d so nice, I would be so scared of currents tho. Did a good bit of snorkeling on lake Ontario, right by the Pier. So great swimming along with small mouth Bass - not scared unless you make big movements.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Cool!

[@dalemorris8609]

Your video brought back memories. I was a Certified Merchant Seaman out of New Orleans, LA. I started with Herbert ( Cajun is pronounced..." A bear ) Shipping. They had multiple types of vessels. I was on a sea going tug when a storm hit. We were on toe with a jacket for a drilling platform. The waves were forcing us backwards. We heard on the radio that a new Aqua Marine supply ship broke in half. When a wave came between us and a ship near by you could see them. Hurricane / tropical storm is no joke. Some viewer's don't know what a wire is...cable. They don't realize it cut a man in half when it swings across the bull-works & pin them. I'm sure you have some stories to tell 😮

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Lots of ways to die out here! Maybe I’ll do stories someday

[@acla6398cell]

Great video!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it 🇺🇸

[@DrivingBoatsandYachts]

Glad I bumped into your channel. I’m subscribed.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Welcome aboard! Thanks

[@pasanen3352]

Great video brother 🤙

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks 👍

[@theathjr]

Im here from Blue Gabe. It’s so interesting and original. 28 days on. 28 days off. Wow.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@Edof37]

Very nice video , rice and beans with fish like Cuban food.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

So good

[@robertellingtom2683]

I'm glad I found your video that's I don't know if you've ever been to Dania Beach and the the Jax off of Dania Beach it was fun when I was young back in 1985

[@bencartrett4867]

Great video.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it 🇺🇸

[@johnnylobster2749]

Saying Hi From Rhode Island 😊 . Was on a coast guard cutter 82 footer in the late 80 s . Only 2 weeks out but a small boat boat for 10 people .great video just found it

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@keylimeking]

“Don’t feed the Iguanas” Godzilla gone remember that.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

🤣🇺🇸

[@karinbrantner3081]

Great job Ian, you are getting very good atmaking interesting videos, you are a pro now!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Wow, thanks!

[@slobama]

Thanks, I enjoyed the video. Not sure why but I did.

[@snug40pip]

Great video love the cooking. God bless you guys.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thank you! You too!

[@dougfrombaugh3072]

Just watched another video no vacation for sure having a bad day definitely can’t go for a walk or drive a lot of hard work for sure. Keep up with the videos!👍🏻👍🏻

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@hulkhuggett]

This would be one of the coolest VR videos ever.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Yes sir

[@bama_buck0745]

Great video bud! Ty for sharing your experiences on the tug

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Any time!

[@carlincooper5501]

For a bean recipe you can add some fresh thyme diced red pimiento and butter to your sauce. Then finish with some squeeze lime over the top. This tug life venture was nice and informative. See you in the next one👍🏾👍🏾🤩🙌🏽💯🙏🇧🇸

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Yum!

[@fancyboatguy]

"It's on the barge" If you get in at ferry landing beach check the grass flat, then follow the cliff face towards the mouth of the bay, there are a lot of coral heads a few yards out. 6-10 ft of water but lots of spiny. If you go to windmill again once you come off that reef edge keep going. You will find a big spot reef. Big blacks, and decent hogs. Happy hunting!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Local knowledge! Thank you

[@richg3411]

Shouted out to you via VHF after I saw y'all passing by my neck of the woods. Love your videos, bud!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Where about?

[@danielsharp9369]

Love the tugboat videos. Keep them coming

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

More to come!

[@gunny_zky]

Thriving reef! Beautiful!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

It really is!

[@JimDog794]

I just found your channel and subscribed. It is a very interesting mix of work, travel, sports and cooking in one video. Good job.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Awesome, thank you!

[@mikeyhi5854]

This is such a cool job man! Thanks for getting supplies food an everything to our troops out there away from home!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

🤙🏽🇺🇸

[@jeffaddison6332]

Also, If you get a small boat and go west across the channel into the mangrove bombing range, huge snook, snapper and tarpon. Many years ago we made a triple barge tow from Tampa to Gitmo. It was a complete McDonalds restaurant, foundation up. We did loose a lot of masonry sand due to weather.

[@jeffaddison6332]

OK, at 13:28 I see the chafe guard going on, sorry.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

McDonalds is great there!

[@allenferry9632]

That meal was screaming for an ice cold beer with lime.

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

🤣🇺🇸

[@hammerjack9]

Great video! Great editing mate!

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Thanks a ton!

[@gregaiello8565]

My friend just sent this and Absolutely luv it. Got a new follower! Stay safe Boys 🙏🏼😎🍻

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Tell your friend I said thank you for sharing! Also that YOU for watching 😁

[@slevenzpartida7649]

Amazing visuals. I appreciate it

[@TugTrashOutdoors]

Much appreciated!