40' MacGregor Sailing Catamaran
Deemed a Total Loss

An experienced mariner found himself in a dicey situation during the last week of 2009. The owner of a 40' catamaran was bound for Hillsboro Inlet from Bimini, Bahamas with a friend on board when the seas began to get rough as daylight slipped away. The passenger aboard the vessel was a diabetic in need of medical attention who began to panic as the vessel neared shore and the master could not lower the sail due to fouled rigging. Once the vessel owner exhausted the possibility of being able to lower his sail and steam into Hillsboro inlet, he made the decision to beach the boat in front of his condo in Pompano Beach. The passenger was rushed to the hospital for medical attention as the boat was washed further ashore by the wind and the waves.

Early the following morning TowBoatU.S. Ft Lauderdale's salvage team and a representative from the owner's insurance company were called in to assess the damage and determine the best course of action. With the Starboard sponson damaged beyond repair due to crashing waves, it was collectively determined that the vessel was a total loss. TowBoatU.S. Ft Lauderdale's Salvage Master worked with local law enforcement to create a security zone around the vessel to keep passers by from getting injured and plans were put in place to dispose of what remained of the vessel the following morning. Larry Acheson, President of TowBoatU.S. Ft Lauderdale explains "Our Company has become skilled at finding cost effective solutions for insurance companies that find themselves with vessels that need to be disposed of. We also have a good working relationship with local law enforcement and environmental agencies allowing us to access the beaches without legal repercussions. Over the years we have successfully completed many jobs on our local beaches; although this one was an unfortunate loss for the owner, environmental damages were completely avoided." Once the vessel was removed from the beach, it was disassembled and disposed of properly.