TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale Mobilizes for Yacht Fire Recovery in the Bahamas

In early March, TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale received a call regarding a 124’ yacht that had caught fire and sunk in Northern Bahamas. TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale was awarded the job and quickly mobilized, deploying the 96’ Salvage Vessel Richard L Becker and a 55’ ANB Lady Katherine loaded with all necessary gear to patch, refloat, and tow the yacht back to the States.

Upon arrival, our team surveyed the vessel and began patching and plugging all thru hull fittings and port lights. Lift bags ranging from 6,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs were then strategically rigged and attached to provide lift and stability. Once preparation was complete, the high capacity compressor aboard Richard L. Becker was utilized to fill the lift bags while a combination of portable, high volume pumps ran to dewater the vessel. After successfully refloating the yacht, all the remaining fuel and lube oil was removed into totes on the deck of the Richard L Becker to be taken back and properly disposed of in the U.S.. Once a short weather window was identified, salvage crew and divers were stationed aboard the casualty to monitor bilge water levels while the casualty was towed nearly 200 nautical miles for haul-out in Florida. Once on land, a large, protected shelter was constructed around the vessel preserving the vessel for inspections.

This operation was a testament to how TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale excels in Solving Complex Marine Problems. Since their founding in 1989 with one tug and one captain in Oakland Park, Florida, they have significantly grown in capabilities and experience and are dedicated to servicing your needs 24/7, ready to resolve issues aboard any size vessel.