Headline: “Public Safety Volunteer Faces Unexpected Legal Battles After Salvaging Sunken Sailboat”
In a twist of fate, Mark Griffin found himself in a legal quagmire after selflessly taking on the task of rescuing a sunken sailboat from the depths of the St. John River near Browns Flat. The sailboat, known as Not a Starship, had been languishing underwater for months, with only its masts peeking above the surface.
Griffin, a Canadian Coast Guard contractor, teamed up with hobby diver David Grandy to tackle the daunting challenge of raising and hauling away the vessel. Little did they know that their goodwill gesture would lead to a series of unexpected hurdles and financial burdens.
Their efforts, estimated to have cost between $5,000 and $10,000, were further compounded by legal complications. Grandy allegedly received a letter from the coast guard warning him of potential fines up to $6 million or even jail time if he didn’t take responsibility for the salvaged boat. The duo sought legal advice as they grappled with the unforeseen consequences of their rescue mission.
The coast guard, while acknowledging the salvor’s rights, imposed strict obligations on the salvagers under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act. The salvagers were held liable for all costs related to the removal and disposal of the vessel, adding to their mounting concerns.
To their dismay, the coast guard opted to engage a local salvage company for the disposal of the boat, leaving Griffin without an opportunity to bid for the job. The boat was eventually removed, crushed, and disposed of with the assistance of the St. John River Society, a local non-profit organization.
Despite the challenges and lack of financial compensation, Griffin and Grandy remained resolute in their decision to save the sunken boat. Griffin, reflecting on the ordeal, emphasized the importance of timely and responsible actions to mitigate environmental risks posed by abandoned vessels.
As the boat saga reaches its conclusion, the salvagers are left grappling with the aftermath of their good deed. However, amidst the legal battles and financial strain, their commitment to safeguarding the environment and ensuring public safety remains unwavering.
In a twist of fate, Mark Griffin found himself in a legal quagmire after selflessly taking on the task of rescuing a sunken sailboat from the depths of the St. John River near Browns Flat. The sailboat, known as Not a Starship, had been languishing underwater for months, with only its masts peeking above the surface.
Griffin, a Canadian Coast Guard contractor, teamed up with hobby diver David Grandy to tackle the daunting challenge of raising and hauling away the vessel. Little did they know that their goodwill gesture would lead to a series of unexpected hurdles and financial burdens.
Their efforts, estimated to have cost between $5,000 and $10,000, were further compounded by legal complications. Grandy allegedly received a letter from the coast guard warning him of potential fines up to $6 million or even jail time if he didn’t take responsibility for the salvaged boat. The duo sought legal advice as they grappled with the unforeseen consequences of their rescue mission.
The coast guard, while acknowledging the salvor’s rights, imposed strict obligations on the salvagers under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act. The salvagers were held liable for all costs related to the removal and disposal of the vessel, adding to their mounting concerns.
To their dismay, the coast guard opted to engage a local salvage company for the disposal of the boat, leaving Griffin without an opportunity to bid for the job. The boat was eventually removed, crushed, and disposed of with the assistance of the St. John River Society, a local non-profit organization.
Despite the challenges and lack of financial compensation, Griffin and Grandy remained resolute in their decision to save the sunken boat. Griffin, reflecting on the ordeal, emphasized the importance of timely and responsible actions to mitigate environmental risks posed by abandoned vessels.
As the boat saga reaches its conclusion, the salvagers are left grappling with the aftermath of their good deed. However, amidst the legal battles and financial strain, their commitment to safeguarding the environment and ensuring public safety remains unwavering.
