Kentwood Ltd v United States of America and Ors (The “Jade Cat”) - US District Court (ED Virginia) - 19 June 1996

Salvage claim - Plaintiffs alleging that professional salvor acted in breach of contract and negligently in failing to salve plaintiffs’ vessel - Whether plaintiffs’ claim disclosed valid causes of action

The plaintiffs owned the 58 foot catamaran sailing vessel Jade Cat. On 10 October 1994 the Jade Cat ran aground near the Lynnhaven Inlet in the lower Chesapeake Bay. The stranding left the vessel unable to manoeuvre but otherwise in no danger of sinking. The Master contacted the US Coast Guard and requested assistance including the furnishing of a pump. The Coast Guard contacted Sea Tow Services - Hampton Roads (“Sea Tow”), a professional marine towing and salvage company. Sea Tow provided a vessel, the Bay Retriever , which went to the scene of the stranding to assist the Jade Cat . The Bay Retriever did not bring a pump, and was underpowered to perform the functions necessary to refloat the Jade Cat ..