Florida Boat Owner Files Federal Petition for Limitation of Liability Following Propeller Accident Near Vero Beach
Andrew Stephen Russell, a resident of Florida, has initiated a federal maritime legal proceeding in the Southern District of Florida. The filing, identified as Case No. 2:26-cv-14048-AMC, is a Petition for Exoneration From or Limitation of Liability regarding a personal injury incident involving a 1999 16-foot Egret motorboat. Russell, as the vessel owner, is seeking to limit his financial exposure under federal maritime statutes following a serious accident where a passenger was struck by the boat’s propeller.
Vessel Owner Seeks Limitation of Liability After Wakeboarder Suffers Propeller Injuries Near Hutchinson Island
The legal action stems from an incident that occurred on April 6, 2025, between Prang and Hutchinson Island in Vero Beach, Florida. According to the court documents, the vessel was being operated by Aerin Russell and was occupied by passengers Dawson Bennett and Braedon White. The group was engaged in a recreational water cruise and was towing Kylie Jelfimow on a wakeboard. After the towing session concluded, the operator reportedly turned off the engine while Jelfimow remained in the water. The petition states that the water conditions were choppy at the time. As Jelfimow attempted to reboard the vessel, her foot made contact with the propeller, resulting in significant injuries. She was initially transported to a local hospital in Sebastian before being flown to Orlando for further medical treatment.
Federal Maritime Petition Claims 16-Foot Egret was Seaworthy and Properly Maintained Prior to Vero Beach Accident
In the federal filing, Russell asserts that the 1999 Egret was in a seaworthy condition at all material times. He contends that the vessel was properly maintained, manned, and equipped for its intended recreational purpose. Under the federal Vessel Owner’s Limitation of Liability Act, an owner may seek to limit their liability to the post-accident value of the vessel if the incident occurred without their privity or knowledge. The petition estimates the post-casualty value of the boat at $24,500.00 based on a marine surveyor’s appraisal. Russell argues that any negligence leading to the injury was not on his part and that the incident occurred without his direct involvement or prior knowledge of any mechanical defect.
Limitation Petitioner Contests Negligence and Seeks Court Injunction Against Individual Personal Injury Lawsuits
The lawsuit moves the court to exonerate Russell from all liability or, in the alternative, to limit his liability to the value of his interest in the vessel. The petitioner claims that the injuries sustained by Jelfimow were due to the negligence of others for whom he is not legally responsible. As part of this maritime procedure, the petitioner is requesting that the court issue a monition and injunction. This legal maneuver would restrain and enjoin the commencement or prosecution of any other suits or proceedings against Russell or the vessel arising from the April 2025 incident, effectively funneling all potential claims into this single federal maritime action. Russell has expressed a readiness to post a limitation fund or surety with the court registry for the benefit of potential claimants.
Contact a Florida Maritime Injury Lawyer if You Were Injured in a Boat Propeller Accident or Vessel Collision
Boating accidents involving propeller strikes, tow-line injuries, or vessel collisions require a deep understanding of federal maritime law and the Limitation of Liability Act. When a vessel owner files a petition in federal court, it can significantly impact the ability of an injured party to recover full damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. If you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime incident involving a private boat or commercial vessel in Florida waters, it is essential to consult with experienced legal counsel who understands how to navigate these complex federal filings. Our team is available to help you evaluate your claim and protect your rights against limitation of liability petitions.
Contact us now to speak with a Florida maritime injury attorney.
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.
