When a California charter boat began taking on water after hitting a rock, 14 passengers and crew members were told to abandon ship. Thanks to a nearby vessel, the Sea Biscuit, everyone on board was rescued and, later, taken ashore to safety by Coast Guard rescue crews.
This story is a good reminder to always be willing to help out a vessel in need, because you never know when you might be the one in danger. The Sea Biscuit performed a very noble deed indeed and, in the end, all lives were saved.
When a rescue at sea takes place, the vessel who performs the rescue might be entitled to compensation through a maritime salvage claim. Typically, the claim would be paid by the insurance provider of the rescued vessel under their insurance policy as long as the claim is successful.
The Sea Biscuit’s rescue, specifically, is a case of “pure salvage,” in which the vessel owner voluntarily provided aid to a vessel at risk. Because their service was voluntarily rendered and successful, a salvage award could be determined using several factors such as the labor expended, the promptness of the rescue, the degree of danger, and many more.
Assisting another at sea can be incredibly dangerous for the vessel helping. In especially hazardous scenarios, mariners can risk drowning or sustaining life-threatening injuries. This knowledge serves to emphasize the heroic deeds of the Sea Biscuit crew and the importance of receiving a salvage award, should you be entitled to it.
Check out the full article about the rescue at sea here: https://gcaptain.com/charter-vessel-sinks-after-hitting-rock-near-santa-cruz-island/.
Nicholas J. Neidzwski is a trial attorney who handles maritime and personal injury litigation. Appearing for plaintiffs in state and federal courts throughout Washington, California, Oregon, Alaska, and other jurisdictions. Nick’s litigation experience includes the successful resolution of various Jones Act, general maritime, and product liability cases on behalf of many different individuals. Nick was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers 2016 through 2024. Learn more here.
