Sea Tow Celebrates 35 Years: Father's Rich Legacy Lives On

SOUTHOLD, NY — Three years after Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer passed away, his children are very much at the helm of the family business, Sea Tow Services International, which is celebrating 35 years in September.

And their love and dedication to keeping his legacy alive is a testament to his lifetime of dedication to mariners and boating safety.

The Southold-based Sea Tow, launched by Capt. Frohhoefer in 1983 after he said the United States Coast Guard made a decision to cease servicing boaters in non-emergency situations, has long been a pioneer in the marine assistance industry.

Today, Frohnhoefer's business lives on; the company has grown to more than 100 locations across the United States and in Canada, Europe and the Caribbean.

The loss of their father devastated his family and the community who loved him dearly; a memorial service brought out hundreds who wanted to honor Capt. Joe's memory.

Frohnhoefer’s son and daughter, Joseph Frohnhoefer III and Kristen Frohnhoefer have vowed to carry the torch and follow in their father’s footsteps, ensuring Sea Tow continues to provide critical services including tows, fuel deliveries, salvage and recovery, environmental clean-up and more.

“Our father left some big shoes to fill, but Kristen and I couldn’t be more honored to continue the family tradition of helping boaters in need,” said Joseph, the company’s CEO. “My father always said, ‘A bad day out on the water is a thousand times better than a good day at a work, especially when you are a Sea Tow member,’ and I couldn’t agree more. It’s been such a pleasure being able to work with the amazing network of captains and other crew that are part of Sea Tow and spending each and every day doing what I love.”

Sea Tow captains, navigating the waters in iconic yellow boats, have served as heroes in countless instances, saving lives and helping mariners in need. The stories of individuals who've had their lives saved in acts of heroism by Capt. Joe and other members of the Sea Tow team will live forever in grateful hearts.

Capt. John McLaughlin — owner of franchises in Atlantic City, NH and Marco Island, FL – has been a part of the Sea Tow family since the 1990s.

“I’ve been with Sea Tow for more than 23 years now,” McLaughlin said. “I’ve been a part of its incredible growth from a licensing company to its current franchise model. The way Sea Tow is run with honesty and integrity and the high expectations that Captain Joe — and now Joseph and Kristen — have, keep you prepared for when disaster strikes."

McLaughlin said he's seen the company serve as a steady mast of reassurance through hurricanes and other disasters and has heard kudos across the board. “I never thought I’d be this proud to wear that yellow shirt," he said.

With an eye toward giving back, the Sea Town Foundation also works to raise awareness and provide education regarding safe boating practices to boaters of all ages. Programs include the Life Jacket Loaner Program and the Designated Sober Skipper Program, which endorses sober boating.

“The Foundation is a key part of our overall mindset here at Sea Tow,” said Kristen Frohnhoefer, both the company’s and Foundation’s president. “Our Foundation team and volunteers do an incredible job of teaching boaters about the importance of always keeping safety at the forefront. Our captains are always there to help boaters when things go wrong, but ultimately we want boaters to have a fun and safe day of boating.”

The Beacon Rental program allows boaters to rent emergency beacons; there's a new social media campaign, "My Vest Friends," to enlighten. Sea Tow’s nationwide Automated Radio Check program is also geared toward improving safety on the water.

“At the end of the day, we pride ourselves on being good stewards out on the water, whether that’s through our typical Sea Tow service calls, our work with the Foundation or just getting out there and volunteering within the thousands of communities we serve,” Kristen said. “We couldn’t be prouder of the network of service-minded men and women who have helped build Sea Tow into the industry leader it is today and we’re looking forward to continuing along that path for the next 35 years and beyond.”

Patch photo courtesy Sea Tow.