Recovery of 80’ Sunseeker in St Augustine, FL
TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale was recently called upon to refloat an 80’ Sunseeker that had struck a dredge marker in St. Augustine, Florida. The allision resulted in a 4’x 6’ hole in the bottom of the vessel, causing it to sink stern-down with the bow breaching the surface in 60 feet of water.
Immediate actions were taken to mitigate environmental hazards. TowBoatU.S Ft. Lauderdale teams secured curtain containment boom around the casualty to contain any fuel or lubricant leaks and a patrol boat was stationed to monitor the scene 24 hours a day during the 3-day operation, being vigilant for spills and ensuring the safety of other mariners navigating the area.
The TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale’s 96’ salvage tug Richard L. Becker was deployed with a wide variety of salvage equipment and an experienced salvage crew to safely refloat the vessel. Upon arrival, using absorbent materials, the crew removed the fuel and lubricants contained within the boom. A four-point moor was then established on the containment boom, providing ample space for the 450-ton crawler crane and barge that would be used to raise the casualty.
Using hard hat divers equipped with video feed and communications, all rigging including lifting straps and lines to prevent the straps from slipping during the lifting process were safely affixed. High capacity lift bags were also rigged and inflated to keep the bow on the surface during the lift. Once complete, the wire from the crane was lowered and secured to the rigging.
With all preparations in place, the crane slowly began lifting the vessel. The casualty gradually ascended to the surface and leveled. Upon surfacing, multiple high volume dewatering pumps were employed to dewater the vessel, after which it was safely lifted and placed onto the deck of the barge. The casualty was then towed to shore for a thorough damage assessment.
The meticulous planning, thorough preparation and a comprehensive salvage plan were developed to address potential challenges, ensuring the job was completed smoothly and safely. This dedication to their craft underscores TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale's capability to Solve Complex Marine Problems.
See short video including drone footage of the salvage here!
