On-water marine assistance provider, Sea Tow, is marking its 40th anniversary in business in 2023.
The business provides non-emergency on-water assistance including towing, fuel delivery, battery jumps and ungroundings, as well as salvage and recovery services including response to catastrophic events and marine spill response.
Sea Tow was established by the late Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer Jr. in Southold, New York, when Congress enacted a law that directed the Commandant of the US Coast Guard to make full use of all available and qualified resources in rendering aid in non-emergency boating calls.
Franchise operations
What began with just two boats on the water in the North Fork of Long Island, has now grown into a network of over 110 franchise operated areas with more than 500 boats and 700 captains and crew nationwide.
Technological innovation has been a large driver of the evolution and expansion of Sea Tow’s services.
When the company first started, nearly all on-water assistance calls came via VHF radio. Now, most of today’s service calls originate from mobile phones and come to Sea Tow’s customer care and dispatch centre.
Today, the second generation, family-owned company is led by Captain Frohnhoefer’s son, CEO Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer III and daughter, president Kristen Frohnhoefer.
“Forty years ago, our father founded Sea Tow to break barriers and pioneer an ‘industry’ that did not previously exist,” said Kristen. “The company’s success and growth can be attributed to a talented team at Sea Tow Services International Inc. and a network of Sea Tow franchisees along with their captains and crew who share a passion for helping people.”
Joseph added: “As we look toward the future, we are excited to introduce new and expanding technologies, as well as solidify new and prominent partnerships, and expand franchise locations.
“We are very proud of our four decades of service and look forward to the next exciting chapter for Sea Tow.”
