Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach Boatyards Sue Owner of M/Y White Pearl Over Nearly $330K in Unpaid Maritime Services
Two South Florida marine service providers—Lauderdale Marine Center (LMC) and Rybovich—have filed a federal admiralty lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against the motor yacht M/Y White Pearl and its owner, White Pearl Investments LLC. The case, filed under Case No. 0:25-cv-62237-AHS, seeks to foreclose maritime liens totaling more than $329,000 for dockage, storage, repairs, and other necessaries provided to the vessel between January and November 2025.
Yacht M/Y White Pearl Allegedly Failed to Pay for Dockage, Boat Handling, and Repair Services at Two Florida Boatyards
According to the verified complaint, M/Y White Pearl, a 30.6-meter 2014 Ferretti Custom Line 100 registered in the Marshall Islands, received marine services at both Lauderdale Marine Center in Fort Lauderdale and Rybovich’s facilities in West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach. The plaintiffs claim that White Pearl Investments LLC, the vessel’s legal owner, failed to pay for these necessaries despite multiple demands.
Lauderdale Marine Center asserts it is owed $284,513.77 for services rendered from January 31 to October 27, 2025, including dockage, boat handling, water, and electricity. Rybovich claims an additional $44,700.78 for repairs, maintenance, and related services provided between March 10 and November 3, 2025. Both plaintiffs classify these services as “necessaries” under maritime law, which entitles them to assert and enforce maritime liens against the vessel.
Lawsuit Seeks Vessel Arrest and Judicial Sale to Satisfy Maritime Liens Under Federal Admiralty Law
The plaintiffs are asking the federal court to authorize the arrest of M/Y White Pearl under Supplemental Rule C and to order the United States Marshals Service to seize the yacht at its current location at Lauderdale Marine Center. They further request that the court authorize a judicial sale of the vessel to satisfy the debts, including pre-judgment interest, custodia legis expenses, attorneys’ fees, and court costs.
The complaint seeks priority for each yard’s maritime lien, asserting that both have preferred status under the Commercial Instruments and Maritime Lien Act (46 U.S.C. § 31342). Lauderdale Marine Center and Rybovich have also requested permission to credit bid their judgments at the U.S. Marshals’ auction, and if needed, combine their bids to acquire the vessel.
Defendants Allegedly Breached Maritime Contracts and Ignored Payment Demands Despite Signed Agreements
The lawsuit includes two counts each for maritime lien foreclosure and breach of maritime contract. It alleges that both service providers had executed agreements with White Pearl Investments LLC. Lauderdale Marine Center’s contract was signed by the vessel’s captain, Ricardo Rodriguez, who is alleged to have either actual or statutory authority to procure necessaries. Rybovich’s agreement was signed by Dayan Polo, identified as the managing member of the yacht-owning LLC and its beneficial owner.
The complaint includes detailed exhibits showing unpaid invoices, service authorizations, and lien acknowledgment clauses. Both contracts provide for interest at 18% annually on unpaid balances and allow recovery of legal fees and costs associated with enforcement.
Yacht Service Providers Are Entitled to Enforce Maritime Liens When Owners Fail to Pay for Necessary Marine Services
Under U.S. maritime law, marine service providers who furnish dockage, maintenance, or supplies to vessels are entitled to assert maritime liens that attach directly to the vessel. These liens can be enforced in federal admiralty court through in rem proceedings, including vessel arrest and judicial sale. The lawsuit highlights the legal options available to marinas and repair yards when vessel owners fail to meet their financial obligations.
Contact a Maritime Lien Attorney if You Are Owed Money for Marine Services or Involved in Yacht Lien Litigation
Boatyards, shipyards, and marine vendors who have not been paid for their services have the right to enforce maritime liens in federal court. Whether you are seeking to foreclose on a lien or defend against one, our experienced maritime lien attorneys can guide you through the complex procedures of in rem vessel actions, lien priority, and credit bidding at auction.
Contact us now to speak with a maritime lien and vessel arrest attorney in Florida.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiffs 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.
