After every storm we usually receive plenty of calls from owners with sunken boats. This winter season was no different and we were contacted about this little boat that was sunk in Hayling Island. We believe that the conditions had just been too stormy and the little boat was overcome by the wind and rain. Her bilge pump probably couldn’t keep pace with the amount of water that was being taken on.

The first part of the job was to get the salvaged boat back floating again. Luckily the weather had calmed down after the stormy conditions and our team were able to get out to her. At low tide we managed to make our way to the boat with our trusty pump. Then in a matter of minutes we had gallons of water flowing out of the hull. We checked her hull over for any damage that could let water back in. But we were confident she was still water tight.

As the tide returned the salvaged boat did rise. And we wasted no time in getting her pulled in alongside at the closest boat yard. Once we was secured we set about removing any recoverable items. One of which was an outboard motor. Which despite having spent a night underwater could still potentially be useful for spares. We were glad to get this boat up and out of the water so soon to try and minimise any pollution that could spill into Chichester Harbour.

Next we lined up a date for our lorry to collect the boat. The boat yard had her lifted out of the water and ready waiting for us. With a small salvaged boat like this it was a straightforward load as her hull shape means she sat nicely on the truck. She then made the short trip back to our boat recycling yard where she was broken down.