Submerged vessels and sunken boat removal process in Detroit
When a boat goes down in Detroit's waterways, every minute counts. We're Captain Tom's, and we've handled sunken boat recovery across Detroit, MI and the surrounding areas for years. A submerged vessel in a busy stretch of the Detroit River isn't just a headache — it's a navigational hazard and an environmental hazard. Fuel, oil, and fluids start bleeding into the water fast. Our emergency response team is available around the clock, covering Detroit and neighboring communities before the situation gets worse.
We're a local underwater recovery crew with certified divers who know these waters. Whether your boat went down at a dock, sank in a marina, or is sitting in open water, we're ready to move.
Our comprehensive boat removal services, start to finish
Our boat removal services include everything from sunken vessel recovery to junk boat removal and recycling. We handle the full job, start to finish.
- Sunken boat recovery — This is our core work. We use professional-grade lift bags, cranes, and rigging to raise submerged vessels from Detroit's waterways. Our sunken boat recovery process is designed to protect the hull as much as possible during the lift, and we can support insurance claim support documentation if your insurer needs it.
- Wreck removal and abandoned vessel cleanup — Wreck removal gets complicated fast. Whether it's a storm-damaged hull or an abandoned vessel that's been sitting for years, we handle the logistics. Our team can dismantle what can't be moved whole and haul away everything that's left. We work on everything from small runabouts to yachts and catamarans.
- Junk boat removal and hauling — Junk boat removal isn't just for boats in the water. We also offer a full boat disposal service for old boats rotting on trailers, in driveways, or on docks. We'll haul away sailboats, jet skis, and anything else taking up space you need back.
- Environmentally responsible recycling — Proper disposal matters on the Detroit River and the surrounding lakes. After every removal, we recycle as much of the vessel as we can and make sure all hazardous materials are handled in full compliance with environmental regulations. No shortcuts, no dumping.
Why Captain Tom's handles wreck removal better in Detroit
Not every boat removal job is the same. When you're dealing with submerged vessels, tricky wreck removal, or anything that requires real muscle and know-how, you need a crew that's done it before. Here's why Captain Tom's is the right call for challenging recoveries.
- Expertise in difficult recoveries. Our crew handles the jobs that stop general junk haulers cold. Sunken boat removal, submerged vessels tangled in debris, complex rigging in tight waterways — we've worked through all of it and know exactly what each situation needs.
- Specialized heavy-lifting equipment. From high-capacity cranes for yachts and catamarans to precision lift bags for more delicate wreck removal operations, we bring the right gear. No guessing, no improvising — just the right tools matched to the job.
- 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 assessment through junk boat removal, boat disposal, and final transport. Comprehensive boat removal services handled by one team.
- Direct insurance and permitting support. We produce professional documentation to support your insurance claim and walk you through any permits required for the job. If you need emergency services or have questions, check out our Sunken Boat FAQ. Less paperwork stress for you, handled right by us.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sunken Boat Removal in Detroit
First, make sure everyone's safe, then report it to the authorities and your insurance company right away. Quick action helps mitigate damage and gets the recovery process moving before things get worse. Call a professional removal crew as soon as you can.
We specialize in sunken boat recovery, including submerged vessels of all sizes, yachts and catamarans, and full wreck removal. We also handle junk boat removal, abandoned boats, storm-damaged wrecks, and general boat disposal. Basically, if it's in the water and shouldn't be, we deal with it.
Usually, yes. Marine insurance policies typically cover recovery to prevent a total loss and reduce liability. We handle the documentation for the claim so your insurer gets exactly what they need. Insurance claim support is part of what we do.
Captain Tom's provides emergency boat removal throughout Detroit MI and all of Wayne County. We run frequent operations in areas like the Detroit River and surrounding marinas. Give us a call and we'll get a rapid response team out to you.