A Fort Lauderdale-based marine service provider has filed a maritime action in the Southern District of Florida seeking over sixty-one thousand dollars in unpaid dockage fees from the owner of a luxury yacht. The case, Cable Marine, Inc. v. M/Y Crescendo and Peter Herzig, was filed on May 19, 2025, and is currently pending under Case No. 0:25-cv-60991-RS.

South Florida Yacht Dockage Dispute Leads to Maritime Lien Lawsuit Over Luxury Motor Yacht

According to the verified complaint, Cable Marine entered into a written service and storage agreement with Peter Herzig, the owner of M/Y Crescendo, a 1998 62-foot Sunseeker motor yacht. The agreement covered necessaries provided to the vessel, including dockage at Cable Marine’s facilities in Fort Lauderdale. Herzig allegedly began missing payments in September 2023. Although a partial payment was made in February 2024, it only covered prior months. As of May 2025, the unpaid balance reportedly totals sixty-one thousand two hundred thirty-eight dollars, exclusive of interest and penalties.

Fort Lauderdale Boatyard Seeks to Enforce Maritime Lien for Nonpayment of Vessel Storage Fees

Cable Marine asserts that it made repeated demands for payment to Herzig, but no further amounts have been remitted. The complaint brings two counts: a maritime lien for necessaries under the Commercial Instruments and Maritime Lien Act, and a breach of maritime contract claim against Herzig personally. The plaintiff alleges that it is entitled to enforce the lien against the yacht in rem and to recover attorney’s fees, interest, and costs against Herzig in personam, as provided by the terms of the contract.

Admiralty Complaint Requests Arrest and Sale of M/Y Crescendo to Satisfy Outstanding Debt

Jurisdiction is asserted under 28 U.S.C. § 1333, as this is an admiralty matter, and the complaint invokes Rule 9(h) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Venue is proper in the Southern District of Florida, as the vessel remains located at Cable Marine’s facility in Fort Lauderdale. Herzig is also alleged to have consented to jurisdiction and venue in Florida through the terms of the contract.

The complaint requests that the court order the arrest and sale of M/Y Crescendo to satisfy the lien, and that judgment be entered against both the vessel and Herzig for the full amount owed, plus all related legal expenses.

This lawsuit underscores the importance of maritime lien rights for vendors of necessaries and highlights ongoing challenges in recovering unpaid dockage and storage fees from absentee yacht owners. As South Florida continues to serve as a hub for luxury vessel storage and service, the enforcement of maritime liens remains a critical legal remedy for shipyards and marine service providers.

Contact a Maritime Lien Lawyer Today to Protect Your Rights

If you are a marine service provider or vessel owner facing a maritime lien dispute, our firm can help. To discuss your case with an attorney experienced in admiralty and maritime law, contact us today for a consultation.

Hurricane Cove Marina Files Maritime Lien Foreclosure Over Unpaid Dockage and Salvage of Sea Ray Yacht “Best Day Ever”

HC Investors #1, LLC, doing business as Hurricane Cove Marina & Boatyard, has filed a federal admiralty lawsuit seeking to foreclose on maritime liens totaling over $46,000 against the vessel M/Y Best Day Ever, a 2000 45.3-foot Sea Ray yacht. The action, filed in the Southern District of Florida under Case No. 1:25-cv-22322-CMA, seeks to enforce claims for unpaid dockage, dry storage, and emergency salvage services provided to the yacht over a nearly two-year period.

Sea Ray Yacht Accused of Nonpayment for Marina Dockage, Shipyard Services, and Utility Fees

According to the complaint, Hurricane Cove entered into a dockage and service agreement in August 2022 with Juan Sabater of E.R. Yacht Mechanics, acting on behalf of the yacht’s owner, William Diaz. The marina provided long-term slip space, electricity, and marine services to M/Y Best Day Ever while the vessel remained berthed in Miami-Dade County. The yacht remained at the facility without issue until October 2024, when payments allegedly ceased.

As of May 2025, the unpaid balance for dockage and other maritime necessaries totals $32,622.16. The marina asserts that all charges were reasonable, customary, and billed in accordance with the agreement. The plaintiff seeks to recover these amounts through judicial arrest and sale of the vessel under Rule C of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty and Maritime Claims.

Marina Performed Emergency Salvage of Sinking Yacht and Seeks Preferred Maritime Lien

In addition to the unpaid dockage, the complaint alleges that the vessel was found partially submerged in its slip on November 27, 2024. Hurricane Cove’s staff responded immediately, placing emergency pumps aboard to prevent sinking and then hauling the yacht onto dry storage for safety. The marina now seeks to enforce a preferred maritime lien for yacht salvage services, claiming the yacht would have been a constructive total loss without intervention.

The salvage services, valued at $13,428.50, are also being pursued in rem against the vessel. The complaint states that the vessel remains in dry storage and that all legal conditions for enforcing liens under general maritime law and 46 U.S.C. § 31342 have been satisfied.

Boatyard Seeks Judicial Sale of Yacht to Satisfy Maritime Debt for Services and Salvage

Hurricane Cove Marina is asking the court to order the arrest and sale of the M/Y Best Day Ever, and to distribute proceeds to satisfy both the unpaid necessaries and the salvage award. The plaintiff alleges that its emergency response helped avoid substantial damage to the vessel and preserved its remaining value.

The marina is also seeking interest, custodial fees, and costs related to litigation and vessel arrest, asserting that repeated requests for payment have gone unanswered.

Contact a Maritime Lien and Yacht Foreclosure Attorney Today to Enforce Your Rights

Shipyards and marinas that provide dockage, maintenance, or emergency services have the right to enforce maritime liens against vessels that fail to pay. If your business is owed for services or salvage involving a vessel, or if your boat is subject to lien proceedings, contact us today for a consultation to protect your interests under maritime law.