Solving Complex Marine Problems Since 1989
Professional Marine Salvage Response
As a TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale customer, we want you to understand when a marine salvage may apply. A salvage takes place when our team provides services to rescue, stabilize, or recover a vessel that is actively sinking, sunk, aground, on a reef, beached, on fire, taking on water, or involved in another emergency situation.
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale has the trained and experienced crew, specialized emergency response vessels, and equipment needed to handle a wide range of marine salvage situations. Our team is available to respond 24/7 from Port Everglades and Hillsboro Inlet.
Experienced Salvage Response Since 1989
24/7 Response
Available from Port Everglades and Hillsboro Inlet.
Specialized Equipment
Pumps, boom, lift bags, and workboats.
Experienced Crews
Focused on safety and efficiency.
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale’s captains are trained to inform you right away or as soon as practical that the services they are about to render are salvage, and you will be asked to sign our Standard Form Marine Salvage Contract.
To help you be prepared in the event of a salvage situation, we recommend you review your marine insurance policy and understand what coverage is afforded to you for salvage services. It’s always a good idea to call your insurance company or broker if you have questions as to what your policy does and does not cover. We have relationships with many insurance companies and can help guide you through the recovery and claim process.
Towing vs. Salvage
Towing
Towing applies when a vessel is disabled but not in danger, such as when a vessel has a dead battery, fuel issue, or mechanical breakdown. The goal is simply to tow the vessel safely from one location to a dock.
Salvage
Salvage applies when a vessel is in distress or at risk, such as sinking, taking on water, hard aground, in the surf or on fire, that requires immediate response, specialized equipment, and experienced crews to stabilize and recover the vessel.
Vessel Recovery/Wreck Removal
Vessel recovery and wreck removal apply when a vessel has sunk, been severely damaged by fire, broken apart, or is deemed a total loss. The focus is on safely removing the vessel and any associated debris from the waterway while minimizing environmental impact. These projects are typically planned and methodical, often involving coordination with insurance companies, marinas, municipalities, and environmental agencies to ensure the work is completed safely and in full compliance with United States Coast Guard regulations.
Aircraft Removal
In the event of an aircraft incident on the water, specialized recovery is required. Our team has experience and capability to assist in the recovery and removal, coordinating with the appropriate authorities and agencies. These operations require precise handling, environmental protection measures, and often the use of cranes, lift bags, and divers to safely recover the aircraft and preserve evidence for the FAA.
Derelict Vessel Removal
Derelict and abandoned vessels pose hazards to navigation and the environment. TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale works with USCG, local and state agencies, and marinas to remove and dispose of these vessels safely and efficiently.
