Spring Break Plus Sinking Yacht Equals Primer Course in Maritime Law for College of Charleston Students
A recent spring break vacation turned into a valuable lesson in maritime law for a group of College of Charleston students, reports WCSC TV in Charleston, SC.
The students were on a return voyage from the Bahamas when they saw a 50-foot sailboat strike a sandbar and begin to take on water.
What happened next moved the incident into the realm of maritime law.
The students radioed the sailboat and asked how they could help. The captain of the sailboat allegedly radioed a "Mayday" distress call and abandoned ship, and the crew launched a life raft.
Under maritime law, once a captain declares mayday, he essentially abandons the ship to the elements. If another party comes along and is able to save that boat, it becomes theirs.
The college students were able to rescue the boat after four hours of labor, including the use of scuba equipment to go underwater and repair holes in the hull. They eventually towed the boat to a nearby dock.
Lawyers for the students have made a claim for the sailboat, but its owners are contesting the claim.
Maritime laws can be complex. If you have any questions regarding a maritime incident or have suffered a maritime injury, contact a maritime attorney online at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation or call our maritime law office toll free at 866-222-2606
