Submerged vessels and emergency services in Wichita
At Captain Tom's, we treat every call about a sunken boat in Wichita as exactly what it is: an emergency. A submerged vessel in busy waterways like the Arkansas River doesn't just sit there quietly. It becomes a navigational hazard for every other boat on the water, and a serious environmental hazard as fuel, oil, and fluids start spreading. Our emergency response team handles recovery fast, serving Wichita and the surrounding area before conditions get worse and the situation gets harder to fix.
We're a local underwater recovery crew that knows complex jobs. Whether your boat went down at a dock, sank in a marina, or is sitting 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 lake floor to hauling away that old junk boat sitting in your yard.
- Sunken boat recovery — This is our core work. We use professional-grade lift bags, cranes, and rigging to safely raise sunken boat situations without adding more hull damage on the way up. Submerged vessels need careful handling, and we've got the gear to do it right.
- Wreck removal and abandoned vessel cleanup — We handle the full wreck removal process, from the first assessment to the final haul. Our team can dismantle storm-wrecked or abandoned vessel hulls and manage all the logistics of getting those problem boats off the water.
- Junk boat removal and boat disposal service — We also do junk boat removal for boats sitting on land, including sailboats, jet skis, yachts and catamarans that just need to go. We'll haul away whatever you've got and handle the boat disposal from start to finish.
- Recycling and proper disposal — After every job, we commit to proper disposal of what we pull out. We recycle as much of the vessel as we can, and all hazardous materials get handled in full compliance with environmental regulations. No cutting corners.
Whether you need emergency services after a storm or you're finally dealing with a boat that's been sitting too long, we're ready to help. We also offer insurance claim support to make the paperwork side less painful. Check our Sunken Boat FAQ page for common questions about the sunken boat removal process, or call us directly to talk through your situation.
Why professional removal matters for wreck removal jobs
Not every boat removal situation is straightforward. When you're dealing with submerged vessels, tricky water conditions, or a wreck removal that needs to happen fast, professional boat removal requires a crew that's actually done this before. Here's why Captain Tom's is the right call for challenging recoveries.
Expertise in difficult recoveries. Our crew has pulled submerged vessels from the bottom in conditions that send general junk haulers packing. From sunken boat removal process planning to hands-on wreck removal, we've handled the jobs that others walk away from. Emergency services available when timing matters most.
Specialized heavy-lifting equipment. We bring the right gear to every job. High-capacity cranes for yachts and catamarans, lift bags for delicate operations, and the rigging knowledge to use all of it correctly. No guessing. No improvising on site.
Full-service, start to finish. Captain Tom's is a direct service provider, not a broker who hands you off 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 under one roof, one crew, one point of contact.
Direct insurance and permitting support. We put together professional documentation that holds up with your insurance company, giving you real insurance claim support when you need it. And if permits are required for your recovery, we help you sort that out too, so you're not buried in paperwork on top of everything else. Check our sunken boat FAQ for more on what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sunken Boat Removal in Wichita
Make sure everyone is safe first. Then report the incident to the authorities and call your insurance company right away. Quick action helps mitigate damage to your vessel and gets the recovery process moving. Captain Tom's emergency services team is ready to respond fast for submerged vessels.
We handle all kinds, from complex sunken boat recovery to junk boat removal and wreck removal. Our comprehensive removal services cover abandoned vessels, storm-damaged wrecks, yachts and catamarans, and general boat disposal. If it's in the water or on your property, we can take care of it.
In most cases, yes. Marine insurance policies usually cover recovery to prevent a total loss and reduce liability. We handle the insurance claim support side too, providing all the documentation for the claim your insurer needs so you're not scrambling for paperwork during an already stressful situation.
Captain Tom's provides emergency boat removal throughout Wichita and all of Sedgwick County. We run frequent operations in areas like Cheney Reservoir and the surrounding marinas. Give us a call and we'll get a rapid response team out to you.