Sailor of Fortune
Guru
Salvor's fees could exceed 40% of the boat's value.
Lots of misconception on how salvage works...
Salvor's fees could exceed 40% of the boat's value.
How could the CG be unaware of that boat near such a high-traffic area? And the "not our problem" response -- just as another poster said, you think they would maybe send somebody over there at least to check it out to confirm no one is aboard and check fuel spillage?
The US Coast Guard is in the following businesses:
Vessel in distress (Protection of Life)
Overseeing Commercial Safety (Protection of Life)
Overseeing recreational safety (protection of life)
Federal Maritime Police (Drug smuggling is not a State by State issue, especially in Federal Waters).
Search and Rescue (Preservation of Life).
The USCG is not in the Marine Salvage business.
You are assuming that the USCG has not been apprised of the situation.
Salvor's fees could exceed 40% of the boat's value.
I wish everyone involved the best, if I'm ever in such a situation I hope no one assumes the worst of me.
Hey y'all, made an account because I am an avid boater and happened to be on North Captiva…
I'm no longer on the island, sadly, but did have some drinks with a resident who has an excellent view of the wreck which is where I got most of my information.
Sea tow was there and tried unsuccessfully for a number of hours to take it off before they gave up, not sure where info spread that they weren't notified (Again, from what I'm told)
There's also two sunk boats right near matlacha with seemingly no environmental barriers either, seems authorities in the area aren't too interested in it!
Anyway, probably won't be logging back in, and I won't have any new information, but the boats still very much there, pointing north now, and very, very hard aground.
I called the Coast Guard in Ft Meyers about this grounded vessel and was informed that, 1) No, they were not aware of this boat and 2) Based on what I told them, this is now a salvage operation and beyond their purview. Not what I expected.
I am not being critical nor am I attempting to make a federal case out of this but there are a few things about the above story that don't make sense to me. The Dry Tortugas are well South of Cayo Costa and while I've not made that voyage, The two routes that seem most likely would involve entering Pine Island Sound at its southern end near Sanibel or staying outside and entering Charlotte Harbor thru the lager and well marked Boca Grande Pass, not thru Captiva Pass. If the vessel was making for Captiva Pass from the south, why was the "track" on the plotter showing a southerly heading? The grounding occurred about a mile south of Captiva Pass.
I too am glad all survived without injury but am confused with the above.
I am the former owner of Good Swan, Kadey Krogen 42-15, homeport Portsmouth, RI. Made an overnight passage from Dry Tortugas going to Cayo Costa, Fri, 3/4. I was following an auto guidance course on my 2 mo old Garmin 942sx. Before committing to the course, I examined the depths on the Garmin, cross referenced the latest navionics chart and even examined the google satellite view. Frankly, it looked OK. With few exceptions 8’ all the way. Below is a picture of the chart plotter after the grounding. Please note the depths.
When I grounded it was mid tide and the boat was floating and level. I called Boat US for assistance and it was with great relief that they arrived in a half hour. The boat still was floating upright upon arrival. The tow captain didn’t want to tow me straight, he thought that there wasn’t enough water. He decided to attach a tow line to my starboard bow cleat and commenced to tow me sideways. Physics what they are the towing vector was more diagonal to the hull than perpendicular. I had made him aware of the stabilizers but he thought it was worth a try. He pulled the boat about 90 degrees and we noticed we were taking water on the port side. The tugging had ripped the port stabilizer off. The boat quickly filled with water. 2 more Boat US boats arrived with pumps but it was a lost cause. We gathered a few things off the boat and abandoned ship getting a ride to Jug Creek well after dark. As soon as I realized the gravity of the situation I called my insurance company. Before 6 pm there was a contract to remove the boat with a contractor in Ft Meyers. My understanding was that it would be gone by Monday but It was out of my hands. I let the company know right away that I was carrying over 700 gals of diesel. Not sure why but with scheduling and weather the boat remained for two more weeks. It was finally picked up by barge the weekend of the 20th. I got to see the boat in the yard on the 22nd. It had already been reduced to rubble with just a very few personal items saved. Pretty much lost everything. The 2 kayaks strapped to the boat deck we missing. It was reported by the recovery crew that the fuel was successfully recovered but every item aboard was destroyed.
Well folks, that’s the story. Luckily, I was sensibly insured. One of my biggest regrets was that people had stare at my wreck for a couple of weeks. I wanted it removed immediately. I apologize to the residents of N Captiva Is.
Epilogue:
I’m 72 years old and having the best time of my life. This is a huge setback but after taking the summer off I’m going to buy another trawler and continue my adventures. After all is said and done, I’m a lucky person and live a wonderful trawler life. I may be down but I’m far from out.
Andy and my boat dog, Teddy.
Well, I’m glad everyone was entertained. I was really worried about the fuel aboard. Things could’ve been much worse. I had hopes that it would be removed immediately. I do appreciate everyone’s understanding. Teddy seems none the worse for wear. Thank you for your kindness. Andy