Florida Boat Owner Files Petition for Limitation of Liability After Pontoon Collision on New River
Prime Watersports LLC, a Florida-based company and titled owner of a 2016 24-foot South Bay Pontoon vessel, has filed a maritime action in the Southern District of Florida seeking exoneration from or limitation of liability following a vessel collision on the New River in Fort Lauderdale. The federal filing, styled In re Petition of Prime Watersports LLC, Case No. 0:25cv61061, invokes the Limitation of Liability Act to cap potential financial exposure stemming from the September 11, 2024 incident.
New River Boat Crash Involving Docked Vessel Sparks Federal Maritime Filing
According to the complaint, Prime Watersports’ pontoon vessel was under the control of a third-party operator at the time of the incident. As the vessel traveled southbound on the navigable waters of the New River, the operator allegedly became distracted, leading to a collision with a docked vessel named “W.” The petition states that Prime Watersports had no personnel aboard the vessel at the time and was not involved in its navigation.
Following the incident, representatives for vessel “W” contacted Prime Insurance Company on November 29, 2024, asserting that Prime Watersports’ pontoon caused the damage and submitted multiple repair invoices. Prime Watersports asserts it filed this maritime petition within six months of receiving written notice of a potential claim, in compliance with the statutory requirements of 46 U.S.C. § 30501 et seq.
Owner Claims No Fault and Seeks to Cap Liability Under Federal Maritime Law
In the filing, Prime Watersports asserts it was not at fault and that the incident was caused entirely by the actions of third parties, without its knowledge or privity. The petition maintains that the vessel was properly maintained, equipped, and seaworthy at the time of the crash. Prime Watersports values its post-incident interest in the vessel at $10,400 and has filed an Ad Interim Stipulation in that amount with the court.
The company now seeks a court order enjoining any other related claims and lawsuits outside this limitation proceeding, as well as a judgment either exonerating it from all liability or limiting any liability strictly to the value of the pontoon vessel. The action invokes the protections available under the Limitation of Liability Act, which allows vessel owners to cap their financial exposure following a maritime incident if they lacked knowledge or involvement in the cause of the incident.
Contact a Florida Vessel Liability Lawyer Today to Understand Your Rights After a Boat Crash
Boat owners, operators, and injury claimants involved in accidents on navigable waters must understand the significant implications of maritime law, including limitation of liability proceedings. If you are pursuing or defending against claims stemming from boating accidents, it is crucial to work with counsel experienced in maritime law. Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate these complex legal waters.
