Miami Salvage Company Sues Yacht Owner Over $175,500 Salvage Bill After Emergency Tow of M/Y Salacia
Biscayne Towing & Salvage, Inc., a Miami-based marine towing and salvage company, has filed a federal maritime lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against the motor yacht M/Y Salacia and its owner, Flight Time Charters, Inc. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25145-KMM, seeks enforcement of a maritime lien for salvage services provided during an emergency tow in Biscayne Bay in June 2025.
Yacht Experienced Mechanical Failures, Flooding, and Required Emergency Dewatering and Tow to Miami Shipyard
According to the complaint, the 75-foot Lazzara yacht Salacia, bearing Hull ID LYC75004E707 and Official Number 1199842, suffered multiple mechanical failures on June 15, 2025, while returning from Tampa. The yacht’s captain reported to Biscayne Towing that the vessel experienced engine overheating, loss of electronic power, and an engine room fire. Shortly after, a cracked exhaust manifold allegedly caused rapid water ingress, placing the vessel at risk of sinking.
Two Biscayne Towing captains, Andrew Jacobs and Juan Carlos Garcia, responded to the scene in Biscayne Channel and deployed dewatering pumps while also attempting to stem the leak using rags and towels. The yacht was stabilized and towed to RMK Merrill Stevens Shipyard in Miami, where it was hauled out of the water for repairs.
Salvor Alleges No Contract Was Signed Despite Emergency Assistance and Requests Over $175,000 Under Salvage Law
Biscayne Towing asserts that the situation escalated from a routine tow to a full-blown salvage operation, qualifying it for a maritime salvage award under the general maritime law and the International Convention on Salvage (SALCON 1989). Although the vessel was saved from potential sinking, the defendants allegedly refused to sign a salvage contract at the time of service.
The company now seeks $175,500 in compensation—approximately 10% of the yacht’s post-salvage value—along with interest, attorney’s fees, and costs. The complaint also includes an alternative claim for quantum meruit and unjust enrichment, should the court not recognize the claim as salvage under admiralty law.
Complaint Seeks Arrest and Judicial Sale of M/Y Salacia if Payment Is Not Made or Security Posted
Biscayne Towing has demanded that the court issue a warrant for the arrest of M/Y Salacia, which is believed to be docked at Biscayne Bay Yacht Club in Coconut Grove. The company also requested that the court authorize judicial sale of the vessel if the owner, Flight Time Charters, fails to pay or post the requested security of $196,560—which includes two years of interest on the claim.
The lawsuit names both the vessel (in rem) and the owner (in personam), seeking joint and several liability. The complaint notes that despite communications with the vessel’s legal counsel, no payments or security deposits have been made to date.
Salvage Companies May Enforce Maritime Liens in Federal Court for Life-Saving Marine Assistance
Under U.S. maritime law, professional salvors like Biscayne Towing are entitled to compensation when they voluntarily save a vessel from peril in navigable waters. Even in the absence of a signed contract, courts may award salvage based on the value of the services rendered and the level of danger involved. Maritime liens for salvage attach directly to the vessel and can be enforced through federal admiralty proceedings, including arrest and sale of the vessel.
Contact a Maritime Salvage Attorney if You Are Involved in a Tow, Rescue, or Salvage Dispute
If you’ve been involved in a marine salvage event or are facing enforcement of a maritime lien, it is important to understand your legal rights under U.S. admiralty law. Whether you are a salvor, vessel owner, or charter company, our experienced maritime attorneys can help you evaluate salvage claims, negotiate settlements, or litigate in federal court.
Contact us now to speak with a Florida maritime lien and salvage attorney.
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.
