Quantcast

FLORIDA RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Ship captain seeks alleged unpaid wages from M/Y Golden Compass

Shutterstock 55622875

FORT LAUDERDALE — A captain is seeking a lien on a vessel in order to recoup allegedly unpaid wages.

Captain Janz Staats filed a complaint Sept. 15 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division, in admiralty against M/Y Golden Compass, alleging that the owners of the motor yacht failed to pay the plaintiff wages and expenses.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on March 15, 2015, Captain Janz Staats through his corporation, Staats Marine Services, entered into an independent contractor's agreement for crew services with the previous owners of M/Y Golden Compass. Shortly thereafter, the vessel was sold to Marine Resources Development Foundation, but instead of executing a new agreement, the new owners adopted the previous agreement, the plaintiff claims. However, the plaintiff allegedly was monetarily injured for unpaid wages and additional expenses to stabilize the vessel, amounting to $21,005.39. 

The plaintiff holds M/Y Golden Compass responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to fully pay the plaintiff for the additional expenses to stabilize the vessel and failed to compensate the plaintiff for his seaman's wages.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks appearance of any persons claiming interest in the vessel to condemn, sell and pay amount owed, declare maritime liens on vessel to be superior to other liens, for other claims to be barred, judgment against defendant for due amount of $21,005.39, attorney's fees, interest, costs, fees, authority to credit bid, proceeds of sale to be applied as payment owed, and further relief as may be just. He is represented by Robert D. McIntosh and Adam B. Cooke of McIntosh Schwartz PL in Fort Lauderdale.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division, case number 0:16-cv-62202

More News