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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