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Florida Casino Ships Sold

"Monaco-based V. Ships topped 11 other bidders to acquire the 30-year-old vessel, which has been anchored off Fort Lauderdale's shores since May when gaming operations were suspended for lack of money. The offshore gaming industry has struggled in the past year or so with increased competition and higher costs.

"Some observers didn't expect the St. Tropez to fetch much more than $1 million.

"V. Ships presumably purchased the vessel on behalf of another party, but company representatives were tight-lipped about what plans are in store for the 398-foot ship. V. Ships, which claims on its website to be the world's largest ship-management and shipping-services company, says it services a fleet of more than 600 vessels.

"…Marshals seized the ship in June after creditors, including current and former crew members, obtained federal court approval to take the extreme action. St. Tropez's parent company, Fort Lauderdale-based Florida Entertainment, had filed for bankruptcy in February in hopes of preventing the seizure.

"Proceeds from the sale will go toward paying creditors, including the 160 current and former crew members who are owed about $300,000, and Fort Lauderdale's National Maritime Services -- the ship's custodian since the seizure. It said it's owed about $1 million…"

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