Submerged vessels and what they cost you
At Captain Tom's, we've seen what happens when a submerged vessel sits too long in Albuquerque's busy waterways like the Rio Grande. It becomes a navigational hazard fast, and the fuel, oil, and fluids leaking out make it an environmental hazard just as quick. That's why our emergency response team is ready to move the moment you call. We handle recovery for boat owners, marina operators, and property managers across Albuquerque and the surrounding areas, getting your situation under control before it gets worse.
Our underwater recovery team knows complex jobs. Whether your boat went down at a dock, in a marina, or out in open water, our certified divers respond fast and get it done right.
Comprehensive boat removal services we offer
Our boat removal services include everything from pulling submerged vessels off the bottom to hauling away that junk boat sitting in your backyard. Here's what we handle.
- Sunken boat recovery — This is our primary work. We use lift bags, cranes, and rigging to raise submerged vessels safely, keeping hull damage to a minimum during the whole process. If you need emergency services for a freshly sunken boat, we move fast.
- Wreck removal and abandoned vessel cleanup — Wrecked, storm-damaged, or abandoned boats don't just look bad, they create legal and environmental headaches. We dismantle what needs to come apart and haul away the rest, managing every piece of the logistics. Our team also supports insurance claim support documentation when needed.
- Junk boat removal and hauling — Our boat disposal service covers more than what's underwater. Old sailboats, jet skis, yachts and catamarans sitting on trailers or dry storage, we haul away whatever you've got. Junk boat removal on land is just as much our job as professional removal from the water.
- Recycling and proper disposal — After any removal job, we sort and recycle as much of the vessel as we can. Hazardous materials get handled in full compliance with environmental regulations, so you're not left wondering where the fuel, oil, or fiberglass ended up.
Why professional removal matters here
Not all boat removal tasks are equal. When the situation is complex, you need a team with real experience in challenging recoveries. Here's why Captain Tom's is the right call.
- Expertise in difficult recoveries — Our crew handles submerged vessels, complex rigging, and underwater obstacles that stop general junk haulers cold. From wreck removal to full junk boat removal, we've worked through conditions most outfits won't touch. When you need professional removal done right, that experience matters.
- Specialized heavy-lifting equipment — We bring the right gear to every job. High-capacity cranes for yachts and catamarans, lift bags for delicate extractions, and everything in between. Our equipment handles the full sunken boat removal process without improvising on the fly.
- Full-service, start to finish — Captain Tom's is a direct service provider, not a broker passing your job to someone else. We manage the entire boat removal process, from the first on-site assessment through transport and boat disposal. Our comprehensive boat removal services cover emergency services, professional boat removal, and every step in between.
- Direct insurance and permitting support — We handle the paperwork side too. Captain Tom's supplies professional documentation to support your insurance claim and helps sort out the permits your recovery may require. If you've got questions, check our sunken boat FAQ, and we'll walk you through what to expect on the insurance claim support side.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sunken Boat Removal in Albuquerque
First, make sure everyone is safe, then report the incident to the authorities and your insurance company right away. Quick action is the best way to mitigate damage before things get worse. From there, call us and we'll walk you through the recovery process start to finish.
We specialize in sunken boat recovery, including submerged vessels that have been down for days or weeks. Our comprehensive removal services also cover junk boat removal, abandoned wrecks, storm-damaged boats, yachts and catamarans, and general boat disposal. If it's in the water or stuck on a bank, we handle it.
Usually, yes. Most marine insurance policies cover wreck removal and recovery to avoid a total loss and reduce liability exposure. We work alongside your insurer and provide all the documentation for the claim so you're not stuck chasing paperwork on your own.
Captain Tom's provides emergency boat removal throughout Albuquerque and all of Bernalillo County. We run frequent operations in areas like Rio Rancho and the surrounding marinas and waterways. Give us a call and we'll get a rapid response crew out to you.