51’ Leopard Power Cat Stranded in Heavy Seas

A 51’ Leopard Power Cat was offshore Port Everglades approximately 38 Miles when the Master hailed for assistance. Sea Conditions were 5’-7’ and the wind was North-Northwest up to 25 Knots. In a confused sea, the fiberglass section of the foredeck had partially ripped free from the points where it attached to the inside of the port and starboard sponsons. With each rise and fall of the bow, the fiberglass failed a bit more until it began to affect the seaworthiness of the vessel, dragging the entire bow underwater. After assessing the situation, the salvage crew attempted to use the vessel’s windlass to raise the fiberglass section out of the water and secure it high enough that the vessel could make way. These attempts were unsuccessful ending in parted lines and the broken foredeck section continuing its scoop effect rendering the vessel completely disabled. The decision was made to cut this section completely free of the boat after attaching flotation devices to it and a towing line from one of the tugs. This method was successful! The salvage crew placed temporary patches in the large holes that were left near the hull/deck joint and staged dewatering pumps in the bow section of each sponson. The damaged boat with her foredeck section cut free slowly made its way back into Port Everglades to a repair facility for haul out and inspection.