Sunken boat removal process in New York, NY
At Captain Tom's, we know a submerged vessel in New York's waterways doesn't wait for business hours. The Hudson River sees heavy commercial and recreational traffic every day, and a sunken boat blocking a channel or dock becomes a navigational hazard and environmental hazard fast. Fuel, oil, and bilge water start spreading the moment a hull goes under. Our team handles emergency response and full recovery for clients across New York City and surrounding areas, including yachts and catamarans, wrecks at anchor, and boats lost at a marina slip.
We're a local underwater recovery crew built for complex jobs. Whether your boat is fully or partially submerged at a dock, in a marina, or in open water, our certified divers are ready to respond.
Comprehensive boat removal services we offer
Our boat removal services include everything from pulling submerged vessels off the harbor floor to hauling away old junk boats sitting on dry land. We handle it all across New York.
- Sunken boat recovery — This is our core work. Using lift bags, cranes, and rigging, our team raises submerged vessels safely off the bottom, protecting the hull and keeping the surrounding water clean throughout the sunken boat removal process.
- Wreck removal and abandoned vessel cleanup — Storm-battered boats, derelicts, and abandoned vessel situations all fall under our wreck removal work. We plan the logistics, dismantle what needs to come apart, and get the wreck off the water. We also offer insurance claim support to help you through the paperwork.
- Junk boat removal and hauling — Our junk boat removal crew can haul away sailboats, jet skis, yachts and catamarans, and anything else taking up space you need back. Full boat disposal service included, whether it's on land or still floating in a New York slip.
- Recycling and proper disposal — After every job, we sort and recycle as much of the vessel as we can. All hazardous materials, fuel, oil, batteries, are handled according to environmental regulations so nothing ends up where it shouldn't.
From emergency services after a sudden sinking to planned professional removal of a vessel that's been sitting for years, we've got the crew and the equipment to get it done right here in New York.
Why call Captain Tom's for professional removal
Not every job is a straightforward pull. When you've got a sunken vessel, a tricky wreck, or a boat that's been sitting underwater in New York's busy waterways, you need professional boat removal done right. Here's why we're the right call for challenging recoveries.
- Expertise in difficult recoveries — Submerged vessels don't scare us. Our crew has handled the full sunken boat removal process in New York's harbors, rivers, and coastal zones, dealing with complex rigging and underwater obstacles that stop general junk haulers cold.
- Specialized heavy-lifting equipment — We bring the right gear to every job. From high-capacity cranes for yachts and catamarans to precision lift bags for delicate wreck removal operations, our equipment list covers comprehensive boat removal services from the Hudson to the Sound.
- Full-service, start to finish — Captain Tom's is a direct service provider, not a broker. We manage the entire boat removal process, from the first assessment through junk boat removal, boat disposal, and final transport. Emergency services available when time matters.
- Direct insurance and permitting support — We produce professional documentation your insurer will actually accept, backed by real insurance claim support that cuts through the paperwork. We also assist with permits so you're not stuck figuring out New York's regulatory requirements on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sunken Boat Removal in New York
Get everyone safe, then report the incident to the Coast Guard and your insurance company right away. After that, call us. Quick action is the best way to mitigate damage to the hull and surrounding environment, and getting us on the phone early means we can start the recovery process before things get worse.
We handle sunken boat recovery of all kinds, including submerged vessels, storm-damaged wrecks, and wreck removal from marinas and waterways. We also do junk boat removal, boat disposal for vessels that are beyond saving, and full professional removal for yachts and catamarans. Think of it as comprehensive removal services under one crew.
Usually, yes. Marine insurance policies typically cover recovery to prevent a total loss and reduce your liability on the water. We work with boat owners on insurance claim support and provide all the documentation for the claim your insurer needs, so you're not chasing paperwork on your own.
Captain Tom's provides emergency boat removal throughout New York, NY and all of New York County. We run frequent operations in areas like the Hudson River Waterfront and surrounding marinas. Give us a call and we'll get a rapid response team moving your way.