Florida Corporation Files Maritime Petition for Exoneration After Fatal Catamaran Collision in Biscayne Bay
Waterfront Construction, Inc., a Florida-based profit corporation, has initiated a federal maritime legal action in the Southern District of Florida following a tragic vessel collision. The case, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20136-WPD, seeks exoneration from or limitation of liability regarding a fatal incident involving a tugboat and barge fleet that resulted in the deaths of three children and injuries to several others in July 2025.
Waterfront Construction Inc Seeks Exoneration From Liability After Fatal Biscayne Bay Vessel Collision
The legal filing stems from a maritime accident that occurred on July 28, 2025, in the navigable waters of Biscayne Bay near Miami, Florida. Waterfront Construction was operating a 1991 25-foot tugboat towing a 1977 108-foot deck barge while transporting construction materials from Star Island to Venetia Island. According to the petition, the company claims the vessels were properly manned and equipped at the time of the voyage. The petitioner asserts that while navigating a narrow channel, the crew observed a small catamaran carrying six passengers approaching the starboard side of the barge. Despite the tug operator immediately engaging the engines in reverse to avoid a collision, the catamaran impacted the barge. The resulting accident led to the deaths of three minor children and left two other passengers injured.
Petitioner Invokes Shipowners Limitation of Liability Act to Limit Damages to Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
Under the Shipowners Limitation of Liability Act, Waterfront Construction is requesting the court to either exonerate them from all fault or limit their financial liability to the post-accident value of the vessels. The company states that the combined fair market value of the tugboat, barge, and associated equipment does not exceed 509,000 dollars. The petition argues that any negligence or unseaworthiness that may have contributed to the collision occurred without the privity or knowledge of the vessel owner. This specific legal maneuver is a common defense in maritime law that allows shipowners to restrict potential damage awards to the value of the vessel and its pending freight if they can prove they were not personally at fault for the conditions leading to the casualty.
Tugboat Operator and Barge Mate Acted as Lookouts During Narrow Channel Navigation in Miami
The complaint emphasizes that the vessels were restricted in their ability to maneuver under Inland Navigation Rules due to the nature of the towing operation. Waterfront Construction alleges that both the tug operator and a mate stationed on the barge were actively serving as lookouts during the transit through the busy Miami fairway. The company contends that it acted as a reasonably prudent vessel owner by maintaining regular inspection practices and ensuring the fleet was seaworthy before the voyage began. By filing this petition, the company is asking the federal court to enjoin any other lawsuits currently pending in state court, including a previously filed and dismissed action in Miami Dade County, and to force all potential claimants to litigate their grievances within this single federal admiralty proceeding.
Federal Court Asked to Issue Monition and Restrain Further Lawsuits Against Waterfront Construction
The petitioner is seeking a court order known as a monition, which would require all individuals with claims arising from the July 2025 collision to appear and file their claims in the federal case by a specific date. Additionally, Waterfront Construction has requested an injunction to stop the commencement or prosecution of any other legal proceedings related to the incident. The corporation maintains that there was no negligence on its part that caused the injuries or fatalities. While no damage was sustained by the tug or barge during the impact, the vessels were later temporarily seized by the Department of Justice for inspection purposes. The company expects that multiple claims for damages will eventually be filed and anticipates that the total value of those claims will far exceed the 509,000 dollar value of their interest in the vessels.
Contact a Maritime Accident Lawyer Today if You Were Involved in a Boat Collision or Wrongful Death at Sea
Victims of maritime accidents and families of those involved in wrongful death incidents on navigable waters should understand their rights under federal admiralty law. When vessel owners file for limitation of liability, it can significantly impact the ability of injured parties to recover full compensation for their losses. If you or a loved one has been affected by a collision involving a commercial vessel, tugboat, or barge, it is essential to speak with an experienced maritime injury attorney who can navigate the complexities of the Shipowners Limitation of Liability Act. Our team is dedicated to helping families seek justice and hold negligent vessel operators accountable.
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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.
