Vessel Arrest

Vessel Arrest and Attachment in South Carolina and Georgia

Prompt Response and Immediate Appointments in Vessel Arrest Cases

Vessel arrest — or ship seizure — is an extremely powerful tool used to force the owner of a boat or a ship to make payment on a debt or other financial liability that is secured by a maritime lien. At the same time, vessel arrest is fairly complex. If incorrect procedures are followed, the vessel owner may be able to successfully defend against the arrest and prevent foreclosure on the maritime lien.

Whether you are seeking to arrest or attach a vessel, or your own boat or ship has been arrested or attached, we can help. For more than 30 years, the lawyers at the maritime law firm of John Hughes Cooper, P.C., has provided smart and strategic legal guidance in all aspects of maritime and admiralty law — including ship seizure cases to obtain security for a maritime lien.

Our lawyers are immediately available in vessel arrest cases — our decades of experience have taught us that prompt action is a key part of a successful vessel arrest strategy, whether we are effecting the arrest or defending against a vessel arrest or attachment.

To schedule an immediate appointment regarding a vessel arrest case, contact our office on Sullivan's Island to consult with one of our lawyers. Call us toll free at 1-800-883-9099 or contact us online.

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Vessel arrests are often called “Rule C arrests,” and vessel attachments are often called “Rule B vessel attachments.” The specific procedure for each type of action can be found in Rule B or C, respectively, of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty and Maritime Claims.

Vessel arrest occurs when the lien holder (via the office of the U.S. Marshal) seizes the actual vessel involved in the incident that gave rise to the debt and the lien. If the involved vessel is not available for arrest, it may be possible to attach another vessel belonging to the same owner.

Once the vessel is arrested, the U.S. marshal will auction the vessel and the proceeds will be used to satisfy the lien holder’s claim.

Call 1-800-883-9099 · After-Hours Appointments Available

If you have questions about how to best go about arresting or attaching a vessel, or if your own vessel has been threatened with arrest or attachment, contact us for a prompt response and practical legal advice from a knowledgeable maritime attorney.

To schedule a free consultation, call us toll free at 1-800-883-9099 or use our online contact form.

General information about arrest and attachment of vessels is available on The Admiralty Docket.