Everything You Need to Know About Boat Salvage and Recovery
Hurricanes, coral reefs, and shallow waters can make the Florida Keys perilous on occasion. When a boat is damaged and starts to sink, getting the people on-board to safety is the primary goal. Second to that, however, is towing or salvaging the vessel.
Leaving a boat where it sinks might seem like an easier option. Unfortunately, that can wreak havoc for other boaters and on the environment. Wind, water currents and other factors can shift the sinking vessel far from its original accident zone.
Once underwater, a submerged vessel can be difficult for other vessels to navigate. As it deteriorates, it can leach chemicals into the water, posing numerous risks to sea life. On its way to the ocean floor, it can chip and crush coral, scar sea glasses and damage the seafloor. To reduce the risk of damage to the ecosystem and other boaters, damaged vessels need to be removed as promptly as possible.
Boat Towing or Yacht Salvage: Which Is the Best Option?
Towing is generally defined as an operation that requires just a towing vessel. A boat can be towed if the operation does not involve peril to the boat, a protected marine environment, or necessitate special salvage equipment. Salvage is a more involved process that can entail marine peril. The boat may have run aground, caught fire, or had a mechanical breakdown or equipment failure. It may have suffered significant damage due to a storm or hurricane.
To begin a salvage operation, the vessel must first be located. GPS coordinates can be a good starting place, but if it has shifted, it will need to be located by specially trained commercial drivers. Once the vessel has been located and identified, the divers and salvagers can use underwater salvage equipment to retrieve the boat, minimizing the risk of damage to both the vessel and the ecosystem.
Costs for the process can vary based on:
The salvaged value of the property
The nature and degree of danger
Time and expenses expended
The skill of the salvors and success in preventing and minimizing damage to the environment
Use of vessels and equipment
Liability
Because salvage can be an intensive process, you need to discuss costs with your salvager before proceeding with the boat restoration operation.
Mangrove Full-Service Boat Salvage Yards
When you are dealing with a partially or completely submerged vessel, you may feel overwhelmed. The process can be intimidating, but Mangrove Marina has everything you need to get your vessel secured and taken care of properly. We can float, remove, tow and lift your vessel for inspection. We work directly with your insurance company and a team of established local professionals throughout the process.
Our yacht salvage services include:
Sunken and disabled retrieval
Barge and crane service
Forklift
Travel lift
Dry gated storage
On-site de-fueling service
Engine pickling
Boat restoration
We also offer full repair services and hydraulic trailers for land-based retrieval as well as post-insurance inspection disposal, vessel transport services, and trailer loading. Call Mangrove Marina to learn more about our boat salvage yards and services or for a quote.
