Florida First Mate Sues Yacht Owners Following Violent Onboard Assault and Wrist Fracture
Angela Vergara, a resident of Florida and a professional seaman, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Bella Rona LLC, Ronald Eisenberg, and several associated business entities. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 26-cv-60955, alleges that Vergara suffered a severe wrist fracture and long-term physical impairment after being violently pushed by the vessel’s captain while the yacht was docked in Fort Lauderdale.
Yacht First Mate Sustains Severe Wrist Injury After Physical Confrontation With Captain in Fort Lauderdale
According to the verified complaint, the incident occurred on April 8, 2023, aboard the M/Y Bella Rona, a 98-foot Princess motor yacht. Vergara was serving as the vessel’s first mate and had recently completed specialized marine engineering training paid for by the owners. The lawsuit claims that the ship’s captain, James Bailie, became increasingly belligerent and defensive after the vessel’s owner criticized his docking performance. On the morning of the incident, Vergara observed the captain slurring his words with red eyes and discovered open beer cans in the galley. The complaint alleges that Bailie began air boxing around Vergara in the salon before suddenly and violently pushing the 135-pound first mate backward off her feet. Vergara instinctively reached back to break her fall and suffered a serious fracture of her left wrist upon impacting the deck.
Plaintiff Undergoes Multiple Surgeries and Extensive Physical Therapy Following Maritime Assault
The legal filing details a grueling recovery process for the plaintiff, noting that the initial injury was so severe it required two separate surgical interventions. After an initial period in a cast proved insufficient to heal the damage, an orthopedic surgeon determined Vergara had developed a malunion of the radius bone and a ruptured tendon in her thumb. In August 2023, she underwent a complex procedure involving the insertion of a metal plate, screws, and bone allograft cubes to restructure the wrist. A second surgery was performed in May 2024 to remove the hardware. Despite reaching maximum medical improvement in early 2025, Vergara continues to suffer from the effects of the injury and has reportedly incurred significant medical expenses for both physical trauma and depression resulting from the incident.
Lawsuit Alleges Jones Act Negligence and Unseaworthiness Due to Captain’s Vicious Disposition
Vergara’s legal team brings several counts of negligence and maritime law violations against the defendants, including claims under the Jones Act and general maritime law. A primary focus of the lawsuit is the allegation that the M/Y Bella Rona was unseaworthy because the captain possessed a wicked disposition and vicious behavior that fell far below the standards of a safe maritime officer. The complaint argues that the owners breached their non-delegable duty to provide a seaworthy vessel by employing a captain who consumed alcohol while on duty and engaged in physical violence against subordinates. Furthermore, the lawsuit targets the owners for failing to conduct a proper background check on Captain Bailie and for failing to implement safety rules that would prohibit the consumption of intoxicants or the physical striking of crew members.
Owners and Management Companies Facing Maritime Tort Liens and Claims for Compensatory Damages
The complaint names a web of defendants including Bella Rona LLC, Boca 60 Inc., and Ventron Management LLC, all of which are linked to the vessel’s beneficial owner, Ronald Eisenberg. Vergara seeks to foreclose on a maritime tort lien against the vessel itself and demands a jury trial to determine the full extent of her damages. These damages include past and future pain and suffering, mental anguish, permanent physical impairment, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. The lawsuit asserts that the corporate defendants are jointly and severally liable for the captain’s actions and the subsequent failure to provide for Vergara’s medical cure, specifically citing an unpaid bill for mental health treatment related to the trauma of the assault.
Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Injured While Working Aboard a Private Yacht or Vessel
Crew members and maritime workers who suffer injuries due to the negligence of ship owners or the violent actions of coworkers have specific protections under the Jones Act and general maritime law. Owners of private yachts and commercial vessels have a legal obligation to ensure their crew is competent and that the work environment is free from foreseeable hazards, including physical assault. If you or a loved one has been injured while serving as a seaman or first mate due to unseaworthy conditions or lack of proper supervision, it is essential to seek legal guidance. Our team of experienced maritime attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of federal admiralty jurisdiction and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills and lost income.
Contact us now to speak with a 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.
