Submerged vessels and the sunken boat removal process
At Captain Tom's, we know a sunken boat doesn't wait for business hours. In Minneapolis, a submerged vessel on busy waterways like Lake Minnetonka or the Mississippi River becomes both a navigational hazard and an environmental hazard fast, leaking fuel and blocking traffic within hours. Our emergency response team handles underwater recovery for boat owners across Minneapolis and the surrounding metro, from yachts and catamarans down to smaller recreational boats. We're on call and ready to move.
Our certified divers specialize in complex recovery operations, whether your boat is sitting on the bottom at a dock, taking on water at a marina, or fully submerged in open water. We respond fast.
Comprehensive boat removal services we offer in Minneapolis
Our boat removal services include everything from pulling submerged vessels off lake bottoms to hauling away old junk boats sitting on trailers. We handle it all.
- Sunken boat recovery — This is our core work. We use professional-grade lift bags, cranes, and rigging to raise submerged vessels safely, protecting the hull as much as possible during the recovery. From small fishing boats to yachts and catamarans, we've done it.
- Wreck removal and abandoned vessel cleanup — Storm-damaged, derelict, or just left behind, we manage the full process. Our crew handles the logistics of getting in, figuring out how to dismantle what needs to come apart, and getting everything off the water.
- Junk boat removal and haul away — Junk boat removal on land or water is part of what we do. Got an old sailboat or jet ski taking up space? We'll haul away the whole thing. Our boat disposal service covers situations where you just need it gone, no hassle.
- Environmentally responsible recycling — Proper disposal matters on every job we take. We recycle as much of the vessel as possible and make sure all hazardous materials are handled in line with environmental regulations. We can also help document the process for insurance claim support if you need it.
Whether you're dealing with an emergency situation on the water or planning a scheduled removal, our professional removal team is ready to help. Check our Sunken Boat FAQ for common questions about the sunken boat removal process, or call us directly to talk through what you're dealing with.
Why wreck removal jobs call for a crew that knows the water
Not every boat situation is straightforward. When you're dealing with submerged vessels, tricky lake access, or a full wreck removal, you need a crew that's actually done it before. Here's why Captain Tom's is the right call for challenging recoveries.
Expertise in difficult recoveries — Our crew has handled sunken boat removal jobs that stop general junk haulers cold. From submerged vessels tangled in debris to full wreck removal in tight marina slips, we know what professional boat removal actually looks like on the water.
Specialized heavy-lifting equipment — We bring the right gear to every job. High-capacity cranes for yachts and catamarans, lift bags for delicate underwater work, and everything in between. No improvising, no guessing.
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, including junk boat removal and emergency services when you can't wait.
Direct insurance and permitting support — We prepare professional documentation to support your insurance claim and help sort out any permits required by local or state authorities. Less paperwork stress for you, a cleaner process for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sunken Boat Removal in Minneapolis
First, make sure everyone is safe and report the incident to the authorities and your insurance company. Then call a professional recovery team right away. Quick action is the best way to mitigate damage to the vessel and kick off the recovery process before things get worse.
We're specialists in sunken boat recovery, including submerged vessels of all sizes, yachts and catamarans. We also handle junk boat removal, abandoned wrecks, storm-damaged boats, and general boat disposal. Think of it as comprehensive boat removal services under one crew.
In most cases, yes. Marine insurance policies usually cover recovery when it prevents a total loss or keeps you clear of liability. We provide all the documentation for the claim your insurer will ask for, including photos, reports, and itemized records.
Captain Tom's provides emergency boat removal throughout Minneapolis and all of Hennepin County. We run frequent operations in areas like Lake Minnetonka and the surrounding marinas. Give us a call and we'll get a rapid response team moving your way.