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A funny thing happened on the way back to the harbor Click to see story in 21 Aug Ventura Star
Tag Archives: aground
When is a tow not simply a tow?
SAIL CHANNEL ISLANDS HOME
That turns out to be a complicated question. If you’ve got Vessel Assist or Tow Boat insurance, it’s a tow if you’re simply dead in the water.
So, if you’re feeling embarrassed because you ran out of gas or you’re red in the face because you fouled your prop and are bobbing helplessly, it’s a straight ahead tow.
On the other hand, if you’re aground that is a salvage operation. As you may have surmised, salvage is much more expensive and it’s not covered by most subscription towing services. It may be covered in your yacht policy.
Even if the owner of the boat pictured walked away from his boat, abandoning it to nature, he’s still going to be a billed for removal, which includes breaking up the hulk, removing and disposing of petroleum products, carting it all away. He might also be fined for any ensuing damage to the beach.