Florida Corporation Sues Seaboard Marine and Colombian Shipper After Fresh Fruit Cargo Arrives Damaged in Miami
Sun Miami Farm Corp, a Florida-based company, has filed a maritime breach of contract and cargo damage lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21301-BB, naming both Seaboard Marine Ltd. and Exotic Fresh Fruit S.A.S. as defendants, alleges that a significant shipment of fresh fruit was ruined during transit from Colombia to Florida due to improper temperature controls and handling.
Seaboard Marine and Exotic Fresh Fruit S.A.S. Accused of Negligence in Maritime Fruit Shipment to Miami
The legal action centers on a contract for the ocean transportation of a container filled with fresh fruit. According to the complaint, Sun Miami Farm Corp contracted with Seaboard Marine in late January 2025 to move the cargo from Barranquilla, Colombia, to Miami, Florida. The plaintiff asserts that the fruit was in good order and sound condition when it was initially received by the carrier, as evidenced by the clean bill of lading issued at the time of shipment. However, upon arrival at the destination, the fruit was discovered to be severely damaged, rendering the shipment nearly a total loss with only minimal salvage value.
Lawsuit Alleges Improper Refrigeration and Substandard Temperature Settings Caused Spoilage of Fresh Produce
The plaintiff identifies two primary causes for the cargo failure. First, the complaint alleges that Seaboard Marine failed to provide proper refrigeration and handling while the container was in its exclusive care, custody, and control. Second, the lawsuit points toward Exotic Fresh Fruit S.A.S., the Colombian entity that sold the cargo and acted as the shipper. Sun Miami Farm Corp alleges that Exotic Fresh Fruit set the container temperature at 7 degrees Fahrenheit, which is significantly cooler than recognized industry standards for this type of produce. This discrepancy in temperature settings is cited as a major contributing factor to the thermal damage sustained by the fruit.
Breach of Maritime Contract and COGSA Claims Filed Against Common Carrier for Damaged Fruit Cargo
Sun Miami Farm Corp brings this action under the United States Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, commonly known as COGSA, which governs international shipments to and from United States ports. The plaintiff argues that Seaboard Marine breached its contract of carriage by failing to deliver the goods in the same condition in which they were received. Because the shipment originated outside the United States and was delivered to a domestic port, the plaintiff asserts that maritime jurisdiction is proper. The complaint further notes that Seaboard Marine granted an extension of the one-year limitation period allowed under COGSA, ensuring the claim remained timely when filed in February 2026.
Plaintiff Seeks Recovery for Financial Losses and Damages Exceeding Fifty Eight Thousand Dollars
As a result of the damaged cargo, Sun Miami Farm Corp claims to have suffered financial losses in excess of $58,000.00. The lawsuit seeks a judgment for these damages along with prejudgment interest and legal costs. The plaintiff also maintains a separate count for breach of contract against Exotic Fresh Fruit S.A.S., alleging the seller failed in its duty to ensure the fruit was prepared and temperature-regulated correctly for the voyage. While both defendants deny liability, the plaintiff asserts that one or both parties are responsible for the failure to deliver the produce in a marketable condition.
Contact a Maritime Cargo Damage Lawyer Today if Your Shipment Was Ruined Due to Improper Handling or Refrigeration
Businesses and importers who suffer financial losses due to damaged maritime cargo, especially involving temperature-sensitive goods like fresh produce, may be eligible for compensation under federal maritime law and COGSA. Shipping lines and international sellers have specific legal obligations to ensure that cargo is stored, refrigerated, and handled according to industry standards. If you or your company has experienced a significant loss due to a carrier’s failure to maintain cargo integrity or a shipper’s negligence in setting transit parameters, contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys today. We are prepared to help you navigate the complexities of international shipping litigation and recover the value of your lost investments.
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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.
