Submerged vessels on Columbus waterways
At Captain Tom's, we know a submerged vessel doesn't wait. The moment a boat goes under on the Scioto River or any of Columbus's busy waterways, it becomes both a navigational hazard and an environmental hazard fast. Fuel, oil, and fluids start spreading within hours. That's why our emergency response team handles sunken boat recovery for boat owners across Columbus and the surrounding areas, moving quickly to protect the water and everyone sharing it.
Our local underwater recovery team has handled complex jobs at the dock, out in open water, and inside a marina. Fully or partially submerged, our certified divers are ready to respond.
Comprehensive boat removal services we offer
Our boat removal services include everything from pulling sunken vessels off the bottom to hauling away old junk boats 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 bring submerged vessels back up safely, keeping hull damage to a minimum during the entire sunken boat removal process. We also support insurance claim support documentation when needed.
- Wreck removal and abandoned vessel cleanup — Storm-wrecked, derelict, or long-abandoned boats don't move themselves. Our team handles the logistics of getting in there, working to dismantle what needs to come apart, and haul away the pieces. We work on everything from small runabouts to yachts and catamarans.
- Junk boat removal and general boat disposal — Our boat disposal service covers land-based situations too. Old sailboats, jet skis, rotting pontoons taking up space on your property, we load them up and get them gone. Junk boat removal doesn't have to be a headache.
- Environmentally responsible recycling — Proper disposal is part of every job we do. We recycle as much of the vessel as possible and make sure all hazardous materials are handled in full compliance with environmental regulations. No shortcuts, no dumping.
Need it done fast? We offer emergency services for situations that can't wait. Check our sunken boat FAQ page if you've got questions before you call.
Why Captain Tom's handles wreck removal differently
Not every boat removal job is the same. When you're dealing with submerged vessels, tricky waterways, or a full wreck removal, you need people who've actually done this work before. Here's why Columbus boat owners call us for challenging recoveries.
- Expertise in difficult recoveries. Our crew handles what general junk haulers can't. Sunken boat removal, complex rigging, underwater obstacles, emergency services calls at odd hours. We've worked through it all, and we know how to get submerged vessels up without making the situation worse.
- Specialized heavy-lifting equipment. We bring the right gear to every job. That means high-capacity cranes for yachts and catamarans, lift bags for delicate wreck removal situations, and everything in between. No improvising. No shortcuts.
- Full-service, start to finish. Captain Tom's is a direct service provider, not a middleman. We manage the entire boat removal process from the first assessment through final boat disposal or junk boat removal transport. You deal with one team the whole way through.
- Direct insurance and permitting support. We handle the paperwork side too. That means professional documentation for your insurance claim, help sorting out permits, and clear communication your insurer can actually use. Insurance claim support isn't an afterthought here, it's part of how we do professional boat removal.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sunken Boat Removal in Columbus
First, make sure everyone is safe, then report it to the authorities and your insurance company right away. Quick action is the best way to mitigate damage before it gets worse. From there, call us and we'll get the recovery process moving as fast as possible.
We specialize in sunken boat recovery, but that's far from all we do. Our comprehensive removal services cover junk boat removal, abandoned vessels, storm wreck removal, and full boat disposal. Whether it's a small runabout or one of those larger yachts and catamarans, we've handled it.
Usually, yes. Marine insurance policies typically cover submerged vessels to prevent a total loss and reduce your liability exposure. We handle the insurance claim support side too, giving you all the documentation for the claim your insurer needs to process it without the runaround.
Captain Tom's provides emergency boat removal throughout Columbus and all of Franklin County. We run frequent operations in areas like Griggs Reservoir and the surrounding marinas. Give us a call and we'll get a rapid response team out to you.