Fifth Circuit Affirms Major Salvage Victory for the Currault Family, Capt. Freeman and Lower River Ship Service

We are pleased to share that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has affirmed a $3.76 million maritime salvage award in favor of our clients—Nicholas, Troy, and André Currault, Lower River Ship Service, L.L.C., and Capt. Sidney Freeman (represented by co-salvage counsel)—arising from their extraordinary actions during Hurricane Ida.

As the hurricane struck Southeast Louisiana in August 2021, dozens of unmanned barges owned by American River Transportation Company broke free and began drifting down the Mississippi River, colliding with vessels and threatening docks and infrastructure. Rather than evacuate, the Currault family and their crew chose to remain on the river and confront the danger head-on.

Operating their vessels overnight in hurricane-force winds, blinding rain, and extreme river conditions, the crew successfully intercepted and beached 23 runaway barges, preventing further damage and averting what could have been a far more serious maritime disaster. Several of the barges were actively sinking or in imminent danger when secured.

Following a bench trial in the Eastern District of Louisiana, the district court concluded that our clients satisfied all requirements for a salvage award and granted 20% of the fair market value of the saved barges, totaling $3,761,500. The court recognized not only the value of the property saved, but also the exceptional risk, skill, and judgment involved in the operation.

On appeal, ARTCO argued that the crew lacked the required intent to salvage the barges and that the award was excessive. The Fifth Circuit squarely rejected both arguments, holding that maritime salvage law requires marine peril, voluntary service, and success—not specific intent. The court further confirmed that the award fell comfortably within long-established salvage norms and did not constitute an abuse of discretion.

This decision stands as a meaningful affirmation of the Currault family’s seamanship, professionalism, and courage under pressure—and of the longstanding maritime principle that those who voluntarily risk life and equipment to save property at sea are entitled to fair compensation.

We congratulate our clients and our trial and appellate teams on this hard-fought victory.

A copy of the decision is provided below:

Salvage Award - 24-30471_Documents.pdf

Download PDF • 225KB

Please feel free to reach out at ad@adamdavislawfirm.com or (504) 553-1435 if you have any questions.