Submerged vessels in Memphis: what happens next
When a boat goes down in Memphis, every hour counts. At Captain Tom's, we respond fast because a submerged vessel in busy waterways like the Mississippi River doesn't just sit there quietly. It becomes a navigational hazard for passing traffic and an environmental hazard as fuel and fluids spread. We handle emergency response for sunken boat recovery across Memphis and the surrounding areas, including docks, open water, and every marina on the river.
Our local underwater recovery team knows these waters. Whether your boat is fully or partially submerged at a dock, in a marina, or out in open water, our certified divers are ready to move.
Our comprehensive boat removal services in Memphis TN
Our boat removal services include everything from raising submerged vessels off the riverbed to hauling off that junk boat sitting in your backyard. Here's what we handle.
- Sunken boat recovery — This is our core work. We use lift bags, cranes, and rigging to bring submerged vessels back to the surface safely, minimizing hull damage throughout the sunken boat removal process. We also support Insurance Claim Support documentation when you need it.
- Wreck removal and abandoned vessel cleanup — Storm-wrecked, derelict, or long-abandoned boats don't move themselves. Our team handles the full scope, including the logistics to dismantle and haul away problem vessels of all sizes, from skiffs to yachts and catamarans.
- Junk boat removal and boat disposal service — Got an old sailboat or jet ski taking up space? We do junk boat removal on land and water. We haul away whatever you've got, and our professional removal crew handles the heavy lifting so you don't have to.
- Recycling and proper disposal — After any removal, we sort and recycle as much of the vessel as possible. Hazardous materials get handled in full compliance with environmental regulations, so you're covered on that front too.
Whether you need emergency services for a freshly sunken boat or you've got a long-neglected wreck sitting in a slip, we've done it before on the Mississippi and its tributaries. Check our Sunken Boat FAQ if you've got questions about the process, or give us a call and we'll walk you through it.
Why Captain Tom's handles wreck removal differently
Not every situation calls for the same crew. When you're dealing with sunken boat removal or complex wreck removal, you need people who've actually done this work before. Here's why Captain Tom's is the right call for challenging recoveries.
- Expertise in difficult recoveries — Our experienced crew handles submerged vessels, tricky rigging, and underwater obstacles that stop general junk haulers cold. Whether it's emergency services after a storm or a long-submerged wreck, we know the sunken boat removal process inside and out and get the job done right.
- Specialized heavy-lifting equipment — We deploy the right gear for any situation, from high-capacity cranes for yachts and catamarans to advanced lift bags for more delicate operations. Junk boat removal and full wreck removal each demand different tools, and we carry them all.
- 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 professional removal, boat disposal, and final transport. Comprehensive boat removal services, handled by one crew you can actually talk to.
- Direct insurance and permitting support — We supply professional documentation your insurance claim requires and help sort out necessary permits so you're not buried in paperwork. Check our sunken boat FAQ for more on what that process looks like, or call us directly with questions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sunken Boat Removal in Memphis
Get everyone safe first, then call the authorities and your insurance company right away. After that, call us. Quick action matters here. The longer a submerged vessel sits, the worse it gets. We'll walk you through the recovery process and do everything we can to mitigate damage from the start.
We specialize in sunken boat recovery, but our services go well beyond that. We handle junk boat removal, wreck removal, storm-damaged vessels, yachts and catamarans, and general boat disposal. Whether it's an abandoned hull or something that went down last night, we've seen it and dealt with it.
Usually, yes. Marine insurance policies typically cover recovery to prevent a total loss and reduce your liability exposure. We work alongside your insurer and provide all the documentation for the claim so you're not chasing paperwork while dealing with everything else.
Captain Tom's provides emergency boat removal throughout Memphis and all of Shelby County. We run frequent operations in areas like Mud Island and the surrounding marinas along the Mississippi. Give us a call and we'll get a rapid response team headed your way.