Rhode Island
GoLocalProv | News | A $4.5 Million Luxury Yacht Was at Center of RI Wreck and Now a Federal Lawsuit
Friday, August 18, 2023
A screenshot of the Sea Axis website — the mega yacht is now at the center of federal lawsuit.
A $4.5 million luxury yacht is at the center of a federal lawsuit, following an incident that occurred during a storm off of Block Island in July.
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The yacht reportedly lost control in a “violent wind and weather squall,” dragged anchor, and wreaked havoc, impacting other vessels.
Micky Arison (front row, far right) is the owner of the Miami Heat, and once owned the yacht.
PHOTO: White House public domain
It’s a yacht owned by the super-rich. According to its website, it was once owned by Ted and Micky Arison. Ted was the founder of Carnival Cruise Lines and his son Micky is the chair of the cruise line and the owner of the Miami Heat.
The yacht in question — Sea Axis — boasts accommodations for up to 12 guests with a crew of 7, features a “circular seating area with a fire pit and outdoors movie theater” and touts having such amenities as SeaBobs, SeaDoos, and more. It also claims it has the “best AV equipment made.”
Now, it is the defendant in a federal lawsuit.
North Kingstown-based company HRM — which is in the business of providing “professional marine salvage” — provided services to Sea Axis during the adverse weather event off of Block Island on July 29.
HRM has sued the owners of the 124-foot Sea Axis in federal court in Rhode Island for the costs and damages allegedly incurred during its operation.
The Rhode Island company says Sea Axis “failed to appreciate the approaching weather including its high winds and did not have its engines, systems, and crew ready to respond.”
The result, according to the lawsuit, was that the Sea Axis “dragged anchor and violently impacted other vessels” off Block Island — and HRM intervened to prevent further damage.”
Posted to social media are images of the alleged damage caused by Sea Axis.
According to the lawsuit, Sea Axis is “believed to be approximately $4,500,000.00 based on an insured value.”
HRM is claiming it is “entitled to a liberal salvage award and claims an award in the of $247,500.00 plus costs and interest.”
Federal Courthouse in Providence. PHOTO: GoLocal’s Will Morgan
Lawsuit Outlines Alleged Incident, Damage and Salvage
In its lawsuit, HRM outlines what it says was its role in the salvage operation.
“HRM continually monitors the weather and sea conditions to be prepared and properly positioned to respond to vessels in need of assistance. HRM learned of the impending weather and its salvage tug got underway and took up watch in New Harbor, Town of New Shoreham,” according to the lawsuit. “Within minutes, HRM observed the Yacht dragging anchor and not under command such that it was in a position of peril. HRM immediately took measures to protect the Yacht by quickly arriving at and maneuvering into the Yacht in such a way as to push the Yacht clear of the mooring field and other vessels.”
“HRM’s salvage tug incurred significant damage in undertaking this effort, but it was successful in keeping the Yacht from impacting additional vessels, from dragging into deep into the mooring field and from grounding ashore,” the lawsuit continues. “HRM’s efforts preserved a lot of vessel value and likely resulted in the Yacht being saved from what would have been very expensive damage to its hull, running gear, stabilizers (as equipped), and topsides.”
HRM is suing for a claim for the salvage award of $247,500 as well as prejudgment and post-judgment interest.
The attorney for HRM said he had no additional content beyond the lawsuit.
The company managing Sea Axis did not respond to request for comment.
Incident – Harbormaster’s Report
This week, GoLocal obtained a copy of the July 29 incident report from the Town of New Shoreham.
The report mirrors a number of key claims in the federal lawsuit.
According to Harbormaster Kathleen McConville:
At approximately 0520 this morning, a call went out on VHF CH 12 that there was a large MV dragging down on MV Champion which is located in the east mooring field on number P471.
While getting underway, Safe Sea notified me that the MV had picked up its anchor and was now in the main channel. The Safe Sea boat had gotten in between the MV Sea Axis and MV Champion, puncturing the bow tube of the rib.
Upon inspection, MV moored to P473 sustained substantial damage to the bow from the deck down to the waterline. My crew and I tied two safety lines from the midship cleats to the mooring ball shackle as the bow cleat was completely damaged and knocked off. There was no one onboard.
We went over and spoke to Mr. Walter Filkins, owner of MV Champion, who is moored on P471. He sustained damage to his starboard side as well as minor damage to his MV scout that was tied off the stern of MV Champion. I then spoke to the captain of MV Sea Axis, Michael McDermitt who provided me with valid insurance information and who to contact regarding the incident. “
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The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 24, 2024, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 24 drawing
11-14-38-45-46, Mega Ball: 03, Megaplier: 3
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 24 drawing
16-22-24-43-47, Lucky Ball: 11
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Numbers numbers from Dec. 24 drawing
Midday: 0-9-5-1
Evening: 2-0-2-3
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from Dec. 24 drawing
08-21-26-33-38, Extra: 36
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Lucky for Life top prize of $1,000 a day for life and second prize of $25,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
How NORAD tracks Santa on Christmas Eve
Every year, for the past 68 years, NORAD tracks the global progress of Santa and his sleigh. John Cornelio from NORAD explains how they track this highly anticipated mission.
It was the night before Christmas and all through the house, the children were wondering where’s that guy Claus?
If you’re looking to track Santa Claus’s flight over Providence and Rhode Island’s other cities and towns this Christmas Eve, there are a few ways you can track the big guy with nearly the same accuracy as a late Amazon package.
The military is on it with the NORAD Santa Tracker, and Google, which often feels all-knowing, is also on the case with its own Santa Tracker.
Check out the trackers to see Santa’s location:
See Santa’s location with the NORAD Santa Tracker
NORAD is the most reliable name in Santa tracking. On the job since 1955, when a young child from Colorado Springs accidentally called in (he meant to call a number advertised by a local department store), they’ve been following Santa’s journey using their radar technology ever since.
Now, NORAD, the joint U.S.-Canada command responsible for protecting the skies over both nations, staffs up for the big night, with a number available for children to call for status reports and an online tracker.
When does the NORAD Santa Tracker start?
On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, of course.
How do I follow Santa’s journey with the NORAD tracker?
Santa is on the move, as you can see below. If it doesn’t load, it can be found at www.noradsanta.org
You can also call NORAD directly at +1 (877) HI-NORAD.
See Santa’s location on the Google Santa Tracker
In 2004, Google started tracking Santa as well, because, well, there’s a lot of interest in Old St. Nick. Google has a website. While you’re waiting around for Santa, Google’s guide includes a family guide, quizzes and various Christmas-themed games to play.
Why might the NORAD Santa Tracker and Google Santa Tracker disagree?
All of our tracking technology is made for mere mortals, but Santa is magic, and he likes to create a little bit of mystery. It wouldn’t do for children all over the world to be catching him as he comes down the chimney to deliver presents. He would never get any work done! So sometimes, to keep the magic alive, he throws off the trackers, just a little bit.
Rhode Island
Up to $5,000 reward offered for tips on who dumped emaciated dog’s body in trash bag in Rhode Island
Lincoln, RI – PETA is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction on cruelty charges of the person(s) responsible for dumping a dead dog at Barney’s Pond on Smithfield Avenue.
On December 14, the Lincoln Police Department responded to a report of a dead animal in a trash bag in the parking lot of the pond and discovered the body of a severely emaciated dog with visible signs of trauma. They believe the body was left between the evening of December 13 and the morning of December 14. A white Toyota RAV4 may be connected to the case and is considered a vehicle of interest.
Police are searching for this vehicle of interest, a Toyota RAV4. Photo: Lincoln Police Department
No leads or suspects have been identified, so PETA is asking for the public’s help.
“This poor dog was apparently starved, abused, and then dumped on the side of the road like garbage,” says PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “There may be other animals in the perpetrator’s possession, so PETA asks anyone with information to come forward immediately—other lives may depend on it.”
Anyone with information about the deceased dog or the vehicle should contact Detective Lieutenant Brad Stewart at 401-333-8485.
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