Florida Yacht Owner Sues M/Y Matrix Over Wake Damage to Docked Vessel in Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Waterway
Thomas F. Roche III, as Trustee of the Thomas F. Roche III 2019 Family Trust, has filed an emergency verified maritime lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against the 135-foot motor yacht M/Y Matrix. The complaint alleges that negligent operation of the M/Y Matrix caused a damaging wake that struck Roche’s docked vessel, M/Y Top Shelf, on March 28, 2025.
Yacht Owner Claims M/Y Matrix Created Excessive Wake in Posted No-Wake Zone
According to the complaint, the M/Y Matrix was traveling north on the Intracoastal Waterway just north of the Sunrise Boulevard Bridge in Fort Lauderdale when it suddenly increased speed to make the bridge before it closed to vessel traffic. The lawsuit alleges that the vessel generated a large wake in clear violation of prominently posted “No Wake” markers in the area. That wake allegedly caused significant impact damage to Roche’s 75-foot M/Y Top Shelf, which was securely docked at the time.
Defendant Vessel Accused of Operating Under Unqualified Command
The complaint asserts that the M/Y Matrix may have been operated by an unlicensed or otherwise unqualified individual when the incident occurred. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigated the matter and, according to the filing, determined the M/Y Matrix was at fault. The lawsuit states that the damage to the M/Y Top Shelf required approximately $69,000 in repairs.
Emergency Action Filed to Foreclose Maritime Tort Lien Before Vessel Leaves Jurisdiction
Roche alleges that he demanded payment from the owner of the M/Y Matrix for the damage but was refused. The filing seeks to foreclose a preferred maritime tort lien under 46 U.S.C. § 31301, allowing the plaintiff to recover damages directly from the vessel in rem. The complaint claims there is an immediate risk that the M/Y Matrix has been sold or will be moved out of the court’s jurisdiction, justifying emergency judicial intervention.
Plaintiff Requests Arrest and Sale of M/Y Matrix to Satisfy Damages
The plaintiff is asking the court to issue process against the M/Y Matrix and all its equipment, tackle, and appurtenances, and to require anyone with an interest in the yacht to appear and respond. Roche seeks a decree recognizing his lien, foreclosure of that lien, and judicial sale of the vessel with the right to credit-bid his claim. He also seeks prejudgment interest, legal costs, and other relief available under maritime law.
Contact a Maritime Attorney for Wake Damage or No-Wake Zone Violations
Owners of vessels damaged by excessive wakes in no-wake zones may have rights under federal maritime law to recover repair costs and related damages. Admiralty law provides powerful remedies, including in rem actions against offending vessels, even when ownership changes. If your yacht has been damaged in a similar incident, our experienced maritime attorneys can help you understand your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a maritime law 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.
