Florida-Based Yacht Company Files Maritime Salvage Lien Foreclosure Against 92′ Mangusta Motor Yacht
In a newly filed admiralty action, M/Y Scratch, LLC, a Florida-based limited liability company, has initiated proceedings in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against the 92-foot luxury motor yacht SomethingAbout Meri. The Verified Complaint, filed on April 23, 2025, seeks to foreclose a maritime salvage lien valued at over $1,010,539 for emergency services rendered after a severe flooding incident disabled the vessel’s critical systems.
M/Y Scratch, LLC Files Verified Complaint to Enforce Maritime Salvage Lien Against 92′ Mangusta Motor Yacht Docked at Port Everglades
The incident dates back to October 2022, when the yacht suffered extensive flooding in its engine room, impacting the MTU propulsion systems, generators, and electrical controls. At the request of the vessel’s owner or master, M/Y Scratch, LLC deployed personnel and resources to conduct emergency dewatering, electrical isolation, dismantling and drying of flooded components, and restoration of propulsion and essential operational systems.
According to the Verified Complaint, these extensive salvage efforts successfully preserved the vessel from further deterioration, restored her to seaworthy condition, and were conducted under significant risk to the plaintiff’s personnel and equipment. Despite demand, the vessel’s ownership has allegedly refused to pay for the services, leading to the initiation of this in rem action to arrest and sell the vessel in satisfaction of the lien.
The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 0:25-cv-60785-JMS, highlights the plaintiff’s right under general maritime law to enforce a salvage lien directly against the vessel itself.
Legal Analysis: Enforcement of Maritime Salvage Liens for Emergency Yacht Rescue Services in Florida
Under general maritime law, when voluntary efforts successfully save a vessel from maritime peril, the salvor is entitled to a maritime lien against the vessel for the reasonable value of the services performed. This lien arises automatically and may be enforced through an in rem proceeding such as the one filed by M/Y Scratch, LLC.
Here, the facts alleged support a strong claim: the SomethingAbout Meri was reportedly in real and imminent danger, salvage services were provided voluntarily, and the services directly contributed to the preservation of the vessel’s value. Further strengthening the plaintiff’s case is the continuous four-year period during which M/Y Scratch, LLC served as the de facto caretaker of the vessel, despite alleged mishandling by other parties.
A Florida maritime salvage lien attorney would note that, if proven, these facts entitle M/Y Scratch, LLC to arrest the vessel and, upon successful judgment, force a judicial sale to satisfy the lien. Courts routinely enforce salvage liens in the interest of preserving maritime property and encouraging salvage efforts.
Defenses that may arise include disputes over the valuation of services, questions of voluntariness, or challenges to the alleged necessity of the work performed. However, the thorough emergency response detailed in the complaint suggests a compelling prima facie case for enforcement.
Trend and Policy Analysis: Rise in High-Value Salvage Claims Against Luxury Yachts in South Florida
This case reflects a growing trend in South Florida and other major yachting hubs: the increase in high-value maritime salvage claims involving luxury vessels. As yachts grow more complex and valuable, the risks associated with system failures—such as flooding, fire, or mechanical breakdowns—have increased correspondingly, leading to a surge in emergency response efforts and subsequent lien enforcement actions.
Florida courts have consistently upheld the rights of salvors to recover fair compensation, recognizing that rapid intervention often prevents millions of dollars in losses. Vessel owners, meanwhile, must remain aware that failure to promptly compensate salvors can expose even high-value assets like a 92-foot Mangusta motor yacht to arrest and forced sale.
In a jurisdiction like the Southern District of Florida, where the court maintains a strong admiralty docket, lienholders such as M/Y Scratch, LLC are well-positioned to secure relief when the legal elements of salvage are met.
Call Florida Maritime Salvage Lien Attorneys Today
If your company has provided emergency salvage services to a vessel and payment remains outstanding, you have powerful rights under maritime law. Contact an experienced Florida maritime salvage lien attorney today to protect your interests and enforce your claim through vessel arrest and foreclosure.
