06/24/2024
Recently, our team completed a challenging marine salvage operation in Mobile Bay, Alabama, involving a 33-foot fishing vessel named "Old Navy." This F/V, well-known in the local sh*****ng community, was tragically struck by a powerful waterspout, causing it to completely capsize. The incident was made even more heart-wrenching by the loss of its captain, who perished in the accident after heroically saving the deckhand's life.
Old Navy remained submerged for three weeks, during which time we monitored the situation and prepared for the salvage operation. Waiting for the right weather conditions, we mobilized quickly on the chosen day. Our team arrived on-site equipped with specialized salvage gear and a comprehensive plan to ensure the safe and respectful recovery of Old Navy.
The initial assessment revealed that the boat was resting completely upside down, with its framing stuck in the mud. To prevent further environmental damage, we deployed containment booms to mitigate potential oil or fuel spills.
The recovery operation was conducted with meticulous care and precision, completing the job in just one day. Divers were sent down to assess the boat’s condition and to attach lifting slings to strategic points on the hull. The process was particularly challenging due to the vessel's upside-down position and its entanglement in the mud. Using specialized airbags we gradually stabilized and righted the vessel, ensuring it remained intact throughout the process.
Once Old Navy was righted and secured, it was carefully towed to a nearby dock to be hauled out. In accordance with the family's wishes, the decision has been made to decommission the vessel. However, Old Navy currently awaits for that process.
The decommissioning process will involve a respectful and environmentally responsible dismantling of Old Navy. We will ensure that all hazardous materials are properly disposed of and that any reusable parts are salvaged and recycled. The remains of the vessel will then be carefully removed, with all due respect given to the captain’s legacy and the family's wishes. We ensured the family had the opportunity to retrieve all personal and sentimental items from the vessel.
This operation was more than a technical challenge; it was a somber reminder of the risks faced by those who make their living at sea. The captain of Old Navy was a respected member of the community, and his final act of bravery, saving the deckhand’s life at the cost of his own, will never be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
While Old Navy will no longer drag the waters of Mobile Bay, its legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew the captain. This operation showcased not only our technical capabilities but also our respect for the maritime community and those who are a part of it.
