Submerged vessels in San Jose: what we do
At Captain Tom's, we respond fast because a sunken boat in San Jose doesn't just sit there quietly. A submerged vessel in the Guadalupe River or any of the area's busy waterways becomes a navigational hazard and an environmental hazard within hours, leaking fuel and blocking traffic on the water. Our emergency response team handles recovery for boat owners, marinas, and property managers across San Jose and the surrounding Santa Clara County area.
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 bottom 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 raise submerged vessels safely, keeping hull damage to a minimum during the entire sunken boat recovery process. We also support insurance claim support documentation if your insurer needs it.
- Wreck removal and abandoned vessel cleanup — Wrecked, storm-damaged, or abandoned vessel sitting in your slip or on the shoreline? We manage wreck removal start to finish, including all the logistics to dismantle and haul away whatever's left. We work with yachts and catamarans too, not just smaller boats.
- Junk boat removal and hauling — Our junk boat removal covers old sailboats, powerboats, and jet skis rotting on your property or floating where they shouldn't be. We haul away the whole thing. Emergency services are available when you can't wait.
- Boat disposal service and recycling — Proper disposal matters. After any removal, we recycle as much of the vessel as possible. All hazardous materials get handled in full compliance with environmental regulations. Professional removal means the job's done right, not just done fast.
Why professional removal matters here
Not every boat removal job is a straight pull from a trailer. When submerged vessels, tight access, or tricky wreck removal situations are involved, you need professional boat removal done by people who've handled it before. Here's why Captain Tom's is the right call for challenging recoveries.
- Expertise in difficult recoveries — Our crew has worked through the full sunken boat removal process more times than we can count. We handle submerged vessels, complex rigging, and underwater obstacles that stop general junk haulers cold. Where others turn back, we get to work.
- Specialized heavy-lifting equipment — From high-capacity cranes for yachts and catamarans to advanced lift bags for delicate wreck removal situations, we bring the right gear every time. Junk boat removal and full boat disposal jobs both get the same serious treatment.
- 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 transport or boat disposal. Our comprehensive boat removal services also cover emergency services when time is critical.
- Direct insurance and permitting support — We give you clear, professional documentation for your insurance claim and walk you through any permits required for the job. Insurance claim support is part of what we do, so you're not left figuring that out alone.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sunken Boat Removal in San Jose
First, make sure everyone is safe, then report the incident to the local authorities and your insurance company. Quick action is the best way to mitigate damage before things get worse. Call us right away and we'll walk you through the recovery process from the first phone call.
We specialize in sunken boat recovery, including submerged vessels of all sizes, yachts and catamarans, storm-damaged wrecks, and wreck removal in tight marina spaces. We also handle junk boat removal, abandoned vessels, and full boat disposal when you just need it gone for good.
In most cases, yes. Marine insurance policies usually cover recovery to prevent a total loss and reduce liability on the water. We provide all the documentation for the claim your insurer needs, so you're not left chasing paperwork while dealing with everything else.
Captain Tom's provides emergency boat removal throughout San Jose and all of Santa Clara County. We run frequent operations in areas like Alviso Marina and the surrounding marinas along the South Bay. Give us a call and we'll get a rapid response team moving your way.