Emergency Boat Disposal: Salvaging a Sinking MGC-27 in Gosport
Emergency Rescue: Saving the Gear from a Sinking MGC27 in Gosport
Sometimes, boat recycling isn’t just about clearing space,it’s a race against time and the elements. This week, the Boatbreakers team faced a high-stakes mission right on our doorstep in Gosport. The subject was an MGC-27, a quick and capable cruiser that unfortunately found itself in a precarious situation.
A Heartbreaking Turn of Events
The owner had recently invested heavily in the vessel, fitting a new engine and sail-drive. It should have been the start of a new chapter; instead, it became a nightmare. A significant leak developed around the new installation, and despite the owner’s best efforts to constantly pump her out, the water began to win.
The real tragedy lay beneath the surface. The incoming water had begun to flood the foam core of the hull. For a boat of this construction, saturated foam often acts as a death knell, leading to structural instability and costs that far outweigh the vessel’s value. With a heavy heart, the owner realised the boat was written off and called us to intervene before the situation turned into a salvage operation on the seabed.
Rapid Response in Gosport
We had to act fast to prevent an environmental hazard.
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The Tow: Within 24 hours of the call, we arranged for the MGC-27 to be towed to a nearby yard.
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The Lift: She was hoisted out of the water immediately, finally stopping the ingress and protecting the marina from a potential sinking.
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The Salvage: Once safely on the hard, our team got to work.
Modern Parts, New Homes
While the hull was beyond saving, the hardware was a different story. We successfully salvaged the engine and saildrive, saving the owner’s most recent investment from being lost to the briny deep. We also stripped a wealth of high-quality internal and deck fittings that are now destined for our shop.
It was a tough end for the MGC-27, but by acting quickly, we saved the most valuable components and provided the owner with a clean, professional resolution to a stressful ordeal.
