International Aircraft Recovery, L.L.C. v. Unidentified, Wrecked & Abandoned Aircraft

OPINION

JAMES LAWRENCE KING, District Judge.

This case arises on cross motions for summary judgment, as an In Rem admiralty action involving the salvage of an extremely rare and historic aircraft that crashed in waters beyond the territorial limits of the United States 56 years ago last week, on July 1st, 1943. Intervenor United States of America asserts that the United States Navy is the owner of the In Rem Defendant aircraft and disputes In Rem jurisdiction over the Defendant property. The Plaintiff/Salvor claims rights and/or ownership of the In Rem Defendant aircraft in admiralty, asserting…