I have a client whose boat was leaking water out of his AC Unit. They had to call a tow to get the water pumped and the AC fixed. The Tow Company charged them over 9K because it was a “salvage Save.” It was tied to the dock and secured fairly well and my client doesn’t think it is fair. I think the tow guy is just trying to get money from his insurance policy.
Does anyone know of an attorney who might know these kind of laws? He has retained someone out of NMB who admitted that they didn’t know maritime law but would look into it.
as a salvage operator myself, if the tow company stopped water intrusion and pumped water out of the boat, that means he stopped the boat from sinking. that’s a salvage.
he can fight it if he wants, but he probably wont win.
simple question
what would have happened if the tow guy did nothing?
if the answer involves more damage, then he saved a vessel from sinking and is entitled to salvage rights.
if the vessel would not have been further damaged if it were left alone, then you might have a chance.
as a salvage operator myself, if the tow company stopped water intrusion and pumped water out of the boat, that means he stopped the boat from sinking. that’s a salvage.
he can fight it if he wants, but he probably wont win.
simple question
what would have happened if the tow guy did nothing?
if the answer involves more damage, then he saved a vessel from sinking and is entitled to salvage rights.
if the vessel would not have been further damaged if it were left alone, then you might have a chance.
That is a good point. There were two people there pumping out the water when the tow git there. Don’t know if that matters. It was going to sink without the tow. They just needed him to take it to find the problem. When they got it out of the water, the tow company left pumps over night to with draw the water. It was a 33’ boat and probably did take significant effort.