Submerged vessels in Long Beach: what happens next
At Captain Tom's, we know a submerged vessel doesn't wait. In Long Beach's busy waterways, including the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor, a sunken boat becomes a navigational hazard and environmental hazard fast, leaking fuel and blocking traffic within hours. Our emergency response team handles sunken boat recovery for boat owners, marinas, and port operators across Long Beach and the surrounding areas, getting to you before a bad situation turns into a much bigger one.
We're a local crew that specializes in complex underwater recovery. Whether your boat went down at a dock, in a marina, or out in open water, our certified divers are ready to move.
Comprehensive boat removal services we offer
Our boat removal services include everything from pulling submerged vessels off the harbor floor to hauling away that old junk boat sitting in your yard. Here's what we handle.
- Sunken boat recovery — This is our core work. We use professional-grade lift bags, cranes, and rigging to raise submerged vessels safely, keeping hull damage to a minimum during the recovery. Whether you're dealing with small skiffs or full-size yachts and catamarans, we've got the equipment for it.
- Wreck removal and abandoned vessel cleanup — Wrecked, storm-damaged, or abandoned vessel sitting in your slip or on your property? We manage the whole job. Our team handles the logistics to dismantle and haul away these problem boats, including insurance claim support when you need it.
- Junk boat removal and hauling — Our junk boat removal covers old sailboats, jet skis, and anything else taking up space on land or water. We haul away whatever you've got. Consider it a full boat disposal service, not just a pickup.
- Responsible recycling and proper disposal — After every job, we handle proper disposal the right way. We recycle as much of the vessel as possible and make sure all hazardous materials are dealt with in line with environmental regulations. No cutting corners, no dumping.
From emergency services after a sudden sinking to planned professional removal of long-neglected boats, we cover the full range. Got questions? Check our Sunken Boat FAQ or call us directly to talk through your situation.
Why professional removal makes sense here
Not every situation calls for professional boat removal. But when you're dealing with submerged vessels, tricky wreck removal, or anything the average junk haulers won't touch, you need a crew that's done it before. Here's why we're the right call for challenging recoveries.
- Expertise in difficult recoveries — Our experienced crew handles the full sunken boat removal process from start to finish, including underwater obstacles, complex rigging, and emergency services calls that other outfits walk away from.
- Specialized heavy-lifting equipment — From high-capacity cranes for yachts and catamarans to lift bags for delicate submerged vessels, we bring the right gear to every wreck removal and junk boat removal job on the water.
- Full-service, start to finish — We're a direct service provider, not a broker. Captain Tom's manages the entire boat removal process, including assessment, professional removal, and final boat disposal, so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Direct insurance and permitting support — We supply professional documentation for your insurance claim, help you sort out the necessary permits, and walk you through our sunken boat FAQ so you're never left guessing what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sunken Boat Removal in Long Beach
First, make sure everyone is safe, then report it to the authorities and your insurance company right away. Quick action matters here. The longer a vessel sits submerged, the harder it gets to mitigate damage to the hull, engine, and surrounding water. Calling us early gives the recovery process the best possible start.
We handle the full range, from complex sunken boat recovery of submerged vessels to wreck removal after storms. Our comprehensive removal services also cover junk boat removal, abandoned boats, and general boat disposal, including yachts and catamarans. If it's in the water and you need it gone, we can deal with it.
Usually, yes. Marine insurance policies typically cover recovery to prevent a total loss and reduce liability exposure. We work alongside your insurer regularly and provide all the documentation for the claim so you're not chasing paperwork on your own. Insurance claim support is part of what we do.
Captain Tom's provides emergency boat removal throughout Long Beach and all of Los Angeles County. We run frequent operations in areas like Alamitos Bay and the marinas along the peninsula. Give us a call and we'll get a rapid response on the way.