Nationwide Sunken Boat Removal Services
Expert underwater recovery for vessels submerged in lakes, rivers, and marinas.
We Bring Them Up—Safely and Legally
A sunken boat is more than just a loss of property; it is an immediate environmental liability. Whether your vessel sank at the dock due to a failed bilge pump or went down in open water during a storm, time is critical.
At Your Local Boat Removal, we deploy certified commercial dive teams and marine salvage masters to handle the complex physics of underwater recovery. We don’t just tug on ropes; we calculate buoyancy, break suction, and refloat your vessel without destroying it or polluting the waterway.
Why You Must Act Fast
Leaving a sunken boat is rarely an option. Delaying recovery can lead to:
Federal & State Fines
Leaking oil or fuel into waterways triggers EPA and Coast Guard penalties.
Navigational Hazard Liability
If another boat hits your submerged wreck, you are liable for damages.
Increased Recovery Costs
The longer a boat sits, the more it settles into the mud (suction), making extraction significantly harder and more expensive.
Our Specialized Recovery Capabilities
Underwater recovery requires more than a tow truck. We utilize industrial marine technology to handle depths and pressure.
Certified Commercial Divers
Our teams are ADCI-compliant and trained for zero-visibility and hazardous environment diving. They are the eyes and hands of the operation underwater.
Pneumatic Lift Bags (Airbags)
We use enclosed and open-bottom parachute lift bags. By attaching these to the hull and inflating them underwater, we can gently bring vessels of any weight to the surface.
"Suction Breaking" Technology
When a boat settles into mud or clay, the suction can multiply the lifting force required. We use water jets and dredging tools to excavate the hull and break the seal before lifting.
Pollution Mitigation
We deploy containment booms and sorbents before the lift begins to catch any fuel or oil that escapes as the vessel surfaces.
The Underwater Recovery Process
We follow a strict Salvage Plan of Action (SPA) to ensure crew safety and environmental compliance.
Sonar & Dive Survey
We locate the vessel using side-scan sonar (if necessary) and send divers down to assess hull integrity, position, and bottom composition.
Rigging & Stabilization
Divers tunnel under the hull to run heavy-duty lift straps or attach lift bags to structural hard points (cleats and eyes are often too weak for sunken recovery).
Controlled Lift
We inflate the bags incrementally to control the ascent rate. This prevents the boat from rocketing to the surface and becoming unstable.
Surface Dewatering
Once the gunwales breach the surface, we deploy high-capacity trash pumps to remove water rapidly while simultaneously stabilizing the boat with cranes or barges.
Tow & Disposal
The refloated vessel is towed to a haul-out facility. From there, we can transport it to a scrap yard for disposal or to a repair yard if it is salvageable.
Regulatory Compliance & Permitting
Underwater operations are heavily regulated. We handle the red tape so you don’t have to.
US Coast Guard Notifications & Safety Broadcasts
Army Corps of Engineers Permits for dredging/excavation
State Department of Natural Resources coordination
Harbor Master approvals for marina operations
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to raise a sunken boat?
Cost depends on three factors: Depth (diver safety limits), Size (equipment needed), and Environment (stuck in mud vs. sitting on sand). We provide a transparent estimate after an initial site assessment.
Will my insurance cover sunken boat recovery?
In most cases, yes. “Wreck Removal” is a standard clause in marine insurance policies, especially if the boat is a pollution hazard. We work directly with your adjuster to provide the technical documentation they need.
What if the boat is in deep water?
Our standard dive teams work comfortably up to 80-100 feet. For deeper recoveries, we utilize ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and mixed-gas dive teams.
Can you save the boat once it's raised?
It depends on how long it was submerged. Freshwater submersion is less damaging than saltwater. However, usually, the engines and electronics are totaled. We can help determine if the hull is worth saving or if it should be scrapped.