Florida Boat Owner Files Federal Limitation of Liability Action After Intracoastal Waterway Collision Near Lighthouse Point
Leonard Arabia, a Florida resident and recreational boat owner, has filed a federal admiralty action in the Southern District of Florida seeking exoneration from or limitation of liability arising from a boating collision in the Intracoastal Waterway near Lighthouse Point. The case was filed in the Fort Lauderdale Division under Case No. 0:25-cv-62568-MD and stems from an incident that occurred on June 15, 2025.
Recreational Vessel Collision in Lighthouse Point Sparks Federal Admiralty Limitation Case
According to the petition, Arabia was operating his 2007 37-foot Midnight Express vessel named O-TAY during a recreational outing on navigable waters when the collision occurred. The incident took place at approximately 5:09 p.m. in the Intracoastal Waterway near Lighthouse Point, Florida. At the time, the O-TAY had two non-paying guests aboard in addition to Arabia.
The other vessel involved in the collision was a 2025 25-foot Sea Pro operated by Stanislav Guz, which allegedly carried three additional occupants. The filing states that the Sea Pro sustained significant damage as a result of the collision, while the O-TAY also suffered damage requiring repairs.
Boat Owner Denies Fault and Claims Reasonable Care in Vessel Operation
In the petition, Arabia denies any negligence or fault in connection with the collision. He alleges that he exercised reasonable care and prudence in the operation and navigation of his vessel and that the incident was not caused or contributed to by any act or omission on his part. The filing further asserts that the O-TAY was seaworthy, properly equipped, adequately manned, and fit for its intended recreational use at all relevant times.
Arabia also claims that any alleged damages or injuries resulting from the collision occurred without his privity or knowledge, a key requirement for limiting liability under federal maritime law.
Petition Seeks Protection Under Shipowners Limitation of Liability Act
The lawsuit was brought pursuant to the Shipowners Limitation of Liability Act, a federal statute that allows vessel owners to limit their financial exposure to the post-casualty value of the vessel and its pending freight, provided certain conditions are met. In this case, Arabia asserts that the post-incident value of the O-TAY does not exceed approximately $174,896, after accounting for estimated repair costs exceeding $75,000.
To comply with federal admiralty procedures, Arabia has deposited a Letter of Undertaking from his insurer with the court in the amount of the alleged post-casualty value, along with interest. He has also requested that the court issue a monition requiring all potential claimants to file their claims in the limitation action and enjoin any separate lawsuits arising out of the incident.
Federal Court Asked to Consolidate Claims Arising From Intracoastal Waterway Accident
The petition identifies potential claimants as the operator and occupants of the Sea Pro vessel involved in the collision. Arabia asserts that potential claims arising from the incident may exceed the value of his interest in the vessel, which is one of the statutory grounds for seeking limitation of liability.
If successful, the action would either fully exonerate Arabia from liability or cap any recovery to the value of the O-TAY following the collision, with any approved claims sharing pro rata in that amount.
Speak With a Maritime Injury Lawyer About Florida Boating Accident and Limitation of Liability Cases
Federal limitation of liability actions are complex admiralty proceedings that can significantly impact the rights of injured passengers and vessel owners following a boating accident. Collisions in Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway frequently raise issues involving navigation rules, operator conduct, vessel seaworthiness, and maritime jurisdiction. If you or a family member were injured in a recreational boating accident or are facing a limitation of liability action in federal court, it is important to understand your rights under maritime law.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
