Any Maritime law pros out there??

Push&Pull

Recognized Leader Triumph 210 / 215 Forum
City
Florida City
State
Florida
While upgrading my Epirbs and PLBs, It brought to mind a question which I cannot find a definitive answer.

If I was over 20 miles offshore (international waters) and became ill (such as a heart attack or similar) and summoned the Coast Guard. When they arrived, they determined I needed to be airlifted. They remove me and my wife (only other person on vessel and cannot operate vessel).

What becomes of my boat. Is it considered abandoned?? Can anyone finding it claim it?

If I have a tow service called before leaving the vessel but the vessel is empty when they arrive to tow it.....is it considered abandoned? Is it claimable by maritime salvage rights.

What's the law concerning having to leave my vessel unmanned in an emergency. Any experts out there?
 
Checking with my buddies on FaceBook for you, will post responses here.
 
From a very knowledgeable friend: "It's up for salvage first one there wins! If seatow or another boat didn't intervene it would ultimately be in peril .
That's the salvage They saved it"
 
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