Sunken boat removal process in New Orleans, LA
At Captain Tom's, we know a submerged vessel doesn't wait. In New Orleans, where commercial traffic, fishing boats, yachts and catamarans, and recreational crafts all share the Lake Pontchartrain waterway daily, a sunken boat becomes a navigational hazard and an environmental hazard fast. Fuel, oil, and fluids start bleeding into the water within hours. That's why our emergency response team covers New Orleans and the surrounding areas around the clock, pulling boats up before the situation gets worse.
We're a local underwater recovery crew that handles the full sunken boat recovery process, from first call to cleared water. Whether your boat went down at a dock, in a marina, or out in open water, our certified divers are ready to move.
Our comprehensive boat removal services
Our boat removal services include everything from emergency response on submerged vessels to routine junk boat removal and proper disposal across New Orleans.
- Sunken boat recovery — This is our core work. We use professional-grade lift bags, cranes, and rigging to raise sunken boat situations safely, keeping hull damage to a minimum during the whole recovery process. We also support insurance claim support documentation throughout.
- Wreck removal and abandoned vessel cleanup — Storm-battered, derelict, or just sitting there rotting, we handle it. Our crew manages the full logistics of wreck removal, including work on yachts and catamarans, right through to dismantle and haul away of every piece.
- Junk boat removal and boat disposal service — Got an old junk boat on your property or floating where it shouldn't be? We haul away sailboats, pontoons, and jet skis too. Professional removal means the whole thing is gone, not just moved down the canal.
- Recycling and environmental compliance — After every job, we focus on proper disposal. We recycle as much material as we can and make sure all hazardous materials are handled in line with environmental regulations, so nothing ends up in the bayou.
Why professional removal matters here
Not every crew is built for this kind of work. When you're dealing with submerged vessels, tricky waterways, and time pressure, professional boat removal demands real experience. Here's why we're the right call for challenging recoveries.
- Expertise in difficult recoveries — Our crew has pulled off wreck removal jobs that stopped general junk haulers cold. Sunken boats, underwater obstacles, complex rigging in tight bayous — we've handled it all, and we know what to expect when things get messy.
- Specialized heavy-lifting equipment — From high-capacity cranes built for yachts and catamarans to precision lift bags for delicate submerged vessels, we bring the right gear every time. No improvising, no guesswork — just the tools the job actually needs.
- Full-service, start to finish — We're a direct service provider. Captain Tom's runs the entire boat removal process ourselves, from the first assessment through junk boat removal, boat disposal, and final transport. No brokers, no handoffs, no surprises.
- Direct insurance and permitting support — We prepare professional documentation that holds up with adjusters and makes your insurance claim smoother. We also help sort out the permits so you're not chasing paperwork while a boat sits on the bottom of your marina.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sunken Boat Removal in New Orleans
Get everyone safe, then call the Coast Guard and your insurance company right away. After that, reach out to our professional removal team. Quick action is the best way to mitigate damage before it gets worse, and we'll walk you through the full recovery process from the first call.
We're specialists in sunken boat recovery, but our comprehensive removal services go well beyond submerged vessels. We handle junk boat removal, abandoned wreck removal, storm-damaged boats, and full boat disposal, including yachts and catamarans. If it's in the water and it shouldn't be, we can get it out.
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 left chasing paperwork on your own. Insurance claim support is part of what we do.
Captain Tom's provides emergency boat removal throughout New Orleans and all of Orleans Parish. We run frequent operations in areas like Lakeview and the marinas along Lake Pontchartrain. Give us a call and we'll get a crew moving toward you for a rapid response.