July 27, 2010
The Barefoot Bandit allegedly made his way from Marsh Harbour to the waters off Eleuthera in the Bahamas when he ran the 44' SeaRay that he was operating aground in an area known as the Devils Backbone. The vessel was recovered after the "Pilot turned Skipper" fled onto the island. Salvage crews ungrounded the boat and delivered it to Nassau for repairs. Due to the extensive damage to the vessels propellers, struts, rudders and shafts, the owner ultimately decided to return her to the U.S. for the repairs.
TowBoatU.S Ft. Lauderdale's 96' Salvage vessel M/V Richard L. Becker took the vessel in tow early this morning in Nassau Harbour Bahamas and is currently bound for Port Everglades Florida. The crew will hand it off to a smaller tug upon arrival and the vessel will be delivered to her final destination in Dania Beach Florida for repairs. Captain Tom Guarino, Master of the Richard L. Becker stated "The crew and I have been very intrigued by the Barefoot Bandit; to have the opportunity to have a small part in this high profile case is awesome! We were just finishing up a charter in the gulf and riding out Tropical storm Bonnie in Key West when we got the call about this job."
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale was founded in 1989, the company provides towing, salvage, charter, launch and environmental services to the marine community throughout the Southeast United States and the Bahamas.
For more information or photos, contact TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale at (954) 783-7821.
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Your guys did a great job on our charter at Port Canaveral. We had rough weather, major schedule changes, and other challenges, but never heard a single compliant. Adrian, Brendan, Tom, Ben, and Zach all were right on the spot when we needed the crane or captain or another boat movement. And the food... that was the best run of good food I think I've ever has in my life! Every single meal was both healthy and delicious.
- Peyton
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