Migrant Boat Wreck Removal Project

TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale was called upon to assist with the salvage of a 42’ Post Sportfisherman during the 1st week of May 2021. The vessel was intentionally grounded in Delray Beach, Florida earlier that week with refugees on board. Border Patrol reported that they detained 29 Haitian refugees that were fleeing their home country.

After discovering that there were several very large holes near the keel, forward of midships, the salvage team received approval from the authorities to bring the vessel ashore and dispose of it. Fuel and lube oil were removed from the vessel and lift bags were rigged to raise the hull from the rocky area where she was perched. Once ashore, the wreck was moved north to a spot on the beach that had relatively close access to the road where roll-off dumpsters were staged. The demolition and disposal process were methodically performed, taking caution to ensure that no damage was caused to the surrounding beach. All debris was disposed of according to local, state and federal regulations and the beach was combed thoroughly prior to the crew departing the scene.

To view a short video of the operation, click on this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ_85CGYiUM Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel to stay current on the exciting happenings at TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale