Florida Marine Company Sues 38′ Axopar Motor Vessel After Owner Refuses to Pay for Emergency Salvage Services in Fort Lauderdale
Lauderdale Towing & Salvage, Inc., doing business as Sea Tow Fort Lauderdale, has filed a federal maritime lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against a 2021 38′ Axopar Motor Vessel. The verified complaint, filed under Case No. 0:26-cv-60195, seeks to arrest the vessel and compel arbitration following a successful salvage operation off the coast of Florida. The plaintiff alleges that despite performing necessary and voluntary services to rescue the stranded vessel from marine peril, the owner has failed to remit the agreed upon payment for the professional marine assistance provided.
Sea Tow Fort Lauderdale Rescues Stranded Axopar Motor Vessel After Beaching Incident in Florida
According to the legal filing, the incident began on November 21, 2025, when the Defendant Vessel became stranded on the beach in Fort Lauderdale. Sea Tow Fort Lauderdale, a professional marine towing and salvage company, responded to the scene to recover the vessel. The maritime company successfully removed the 38′ Axopar from the beach and towed it to a private dock within the city. These services were performed under a U.S. Open Form Salvage Agreement which was signed by the owner or an authorized representative of the vessel. The complaint asserts that these salvage services were both successful and necessary to remove the boat from a position of marine peril on navigable waters.
Marine Salvage Company Seeks Arrest of Vessel and Arbitration Over Unpaid Twelve Thousand Dollar Bill
The lawsuit details that under the terms of the signed Salvage Agreement, the vessel owner was obligated to pay Sea Tow Fort Lauderdale a total sum of $12,500 for the completed salvage operation. Although the plaintiff demanded payment immediately following the completion of the work, the owner has allegedly refused to pay the outstanding balance. The Salvage Agreement includes a specific arbitration clause stating that any disputes must be referred to the Society of Maritime Arbitrators, Inc. within the United States. Consequently, the plaintiff is asking the court to arrest the vessel to obtain security for the claim and to issue an order directing all interested parties to proceed with formal arbitration.
Plaintiff Asserts Maritime Lien and Right to Foreclose on Motor Vessel Due to Breach of Salvage Contract
Lauderdale Towing & Salvage maintains that it holds a valid maritime lien against the Axopar vessel for the services rendered. The complaint seeks to enforce this lien through an in rem action against the boat, its engines, tackle, and equipment. The plaintiff has requested that the court issue process against the vessel and require all persons with an interest in the boat to appear and answer the claims. If the debt remains unpaid, the plaintiff seeks a decree to foreclose on the maritime lien and have the vessel condemned and sold at auction to satisfy the outstanding amount of $12,500 plus interest and legal costs.
Legal Team Files Federal Complaint to Compel Arbitration Under Federal Maritime Law and Supplemental Rule C
The verified complaint was filed pursuant to Supplemental Rule C for Admiralty or Maritime Claims and the Federal Arbitration Act. The plaintiff emphasizes that it has not waived its right to compel arbitration by filing this action, nor has it waived any potential in personam claims against the captain or owner of the vessel. The legal team representing the salvage company is moving to ensure the vessel is secured so that a final judgment or arbitration award can be satisfied. This case highlights the complexities of maritime law regarding salvage rights and the necessity of adhering to contractually mandated arbitration procedures when payment disputes arise following emergency marine assistance.
Contact a Maritime Lien and Vessel Arrest Lawyer Today if You Face Unpaid Salvage or Marine Service Claims
Marine service providers and vessel owners involved in salvage disputes or unpaid maritime contracts should seek experienced legal counsel to navigate federal admiralty procedures. Whether you are dealing with a vessel arrest, a maritime lien, or a breach of a salvage agreement, it is essential to understand your rights under United States maritime law. If you need assistance with a maritime legal matter or wish to explore your options for recovering unpaid service fees through federal court, contact our team of maritime attorneys today to discuss your case.
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Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
