TowBoatU.S. Endurance Transforms into a Specialty Salvage Vessel
Over the past several months, the crew at TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale has been turning a concept into reality. The company has owned and operated the 30’ twin outboard SeaArk named Endurance pictured above for several years. Over the years, the role of this boat has been primarily related to containment boom operations and cargo launch jobs. Company President and Founder Larry Acheson had a vision that was born after seeing the mooring field vessel Walrus in Nantucket Harbor many years ago. Larry recalls “My eyes lit up as I approached the Walrus, I couldn’t help thinking how useful an asset like this could be for performing dockside salvage operations in South Florida. I kept the vision alive for years and waited for the right time to pull the trigger. Our Director of Operations, Kevin Collins took the project from concept to completion. After the design was finalized by a Naval Architect, the project started taking shape. A diesel fuel tank was added to the outboard powered boat. Kevin sourced all of the equipment and talent needed to ensure that the finished product would be robust and effective. The package includes a diesel auxiliary engine that powers the hydraulic pump. The new pump provides the needed hydraulic power to the A-Frame and dewatering pumps. All controls are conveniently located inside the wheelhouse and out of the weather. The cavernous storage area forward of the wheelhouse contains plenty of salvage gear including lift bags, electric pumps, scuba gear and more. We have performed several jobs with her already and I couldn’t be happier that my vision has become a reality!”
Below you will find before, during and after photos of the project. TowBoatUS. Ft. Lauderdale has performed thousands of salvage operations since 1989 and they pride themselves in solving complex marine problems.
