Florida Sailing Organizations File Federal Admiralty Action Seeking Exoneration After Minor Injured by Propeller in Biscayne Bay
Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Inc. and the Coconut Grove Sailing Club Instructional Center, Inc. have initiated a maritime legal proceeding in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The filing, under Case No. 1:26-cv-20107-JAL, seeks exoneration from or limitation of liability following an incident where a minor participant was struck by a vessel propeller during a sailing instruction program. This complaint was filed in accordance with the Limitation of Liability Act and Supplemental Rule F of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Sailing Club Petitions for Limitation of Liability Following Propeller Accident During Youth Sailing Instruction
The legal action centers on an incident that occurred on July 10, 2025, in the territorial waters of Florida within Biscayne Bay. According to the court documents, two vessels were involved in providing sailing instruction to minors: a 2008 rigid inflatable boat referred to as the RIB and a 1999 Angler motor vessel known as the SAFETY BOAT. The petitioning organizations explain that the SAFETY BOAT was anchored near a shallow area to allow participants the opportunity to swim while the RIB was used to ferry participants to and from nearby instruction areas. The clubs state that the anchored SAFETY BOAT was intentionally positioned to act as a physical shield between the participants in the water and the moving RIB.
Minor Participant Injured After Swimming Around Safety Vessel and Into Path of Moving Motorboat Propeller
The complaint describes a specific sequence of events leading to the injury of a participant identified as Catherine Viteri. The petitioners allege that despite instructions to board the SAFETY BOAT, the participant instead swam around the vessel. In doing so, she exited the protected area and encountered the RIB. The filing notes that the participant was reportedly injured by the propeller of the RIB during this encounter. The sailing organizations maintain that at the time of the incident, both vessels were fully seaworthy, properly equipped, and manned by competent personnel. They further assert that the vessels and their equipment were in good working order and suitable for the youth sailing program being conducted.
Organizations Deny Fault in Biscayne Bay Boating Accident and Claim Lack of Privity or Knowledge
In their federal filing, the Coconut Grove Sailing Club and its instructional center argue they are not liable for the damages or injuries resulting from the incident. They contend that the accident was not caused by any fault or negligence on their part or by anyone for whom they are legally responsible. Alternatively, the petitioners argue that if the court does find them at fault, their liability should be limited to the post-accident value of the vessels. They assert that any fault occurred without their privity or knowledge, a key legal standard in maritime limitation actions. The complaint estimates the collective value of the two vessels involved at 47,000 dollars at the time of the incident.
Legal Process Under Supplemental Rule F Seeks to Enjoin Other Lawsuits and Consolidate Injury Claims
As part of the admiralty process, the petitioners have requested that the court issue a formal notice to all potential claimants, requiring them to file their claims within the federal proceeding by a specific deadline. They also seek an injunction to restrain the commencement or prosecution of any other legal actions against the organizations or their property arising from this specific incident. By filing this action within six months of receiving notice of a potential claim, the organizations are seeking a judicial determination that they are either entirely exonerated from liability or that their financial exposure is strictly limited to the value of the vessels and pending freight.
Contact a Maritime Boating Accident Lawyer Today if You Were Injured During Water Sports or Vessel Operations
Individuals who have suffered injuries during organized maritime activities, such as sailing lessons, boat charters, or youth water sports programs, may face complex legal hurdles due to federal admiralty laws. Organizations often utilize the Limitation of Liability Act to restrict the compensation available to victims of propeller strikes or other boating accidents. If you or a family member has been injured in a maritime incident involving a motor vessel in Florida waters, it is essential to speak with an experienced maritime attorney who understands how to navigate these federal court proceedings. We are available to help you evaluate your claim and protect your rights under maritime law.
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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.
