Memorial Day Weekend Accident Aboard M/V Black Pearl
Atlantic Beach Water Sports, Inc., based in South Florida, has filed a federal petition in the Southern District of Florida seeking exoneration from or limitation of liability following a May 31, 2025, boating incident involving the M/V Black Pearl, a 24-foot Stingray bowrider. The petition, filed under Case No. 0:25-cv-62407-MD, invokes protections under the Shipowner’s Limitation of Liability Act (46 U.S.C. § 30501 et seq.) and aims to restrict the company’s financial exposure to the post-incident value of the vessel—reported to be no more than $15,800.
Boat Injury Claims Lead to Federal Limitation of Liability Action Following South Florida Charter Accident
According to the filing, the Black Pearl was under a bareboat charter agreement and being operated by Kristopher Blake Jackson on the day of the incident. The boat departed from Pompano Beach for a same-day recreational trip with no passengers for hire. While in navigable waters near Palm Beach or Broward County, three individuals on board—Jackson, Alexandria Acquavella, and Louis Acquavella—allegedly sustained injuries. The vessel also sustained damage to the helm chair during the event.
The petition emphasizes that the vessel was properly maintained, seaworthy, and not engaged in any commercial activity. Atlantic Beach Water Sports asserts it had no crew aboard and had fully relinquished operational control to the charterer, satisfying the conditions for limitation under the federal maritime law.
Petitioner Asserts Vessel Was Seaworthy and Argues No Negligence in Boating Injury Case
In its claim for exoneration, Atlantic Beach Water Sports argues that it exercised due diligence in ensuring the seaworthiness of the Black Pearl, providing appropriate equipment and ensuring the boat was in proper working condition at the time of delivery. The company denies any negligence or fault in connection with the incident, and further claims that none of its agents or employees were involved in the events leading to the alleged injuries.
The company contends that it had no privity or knowledge of any acts or conditions that might have contributed to the incident, which occurred after full possession had been transferred to the charterer. This assertion is critical to qualifying for relief under the Limitation of Liability Act, which protects vessel owners from unlimited personal liability for maritime incidents arising without their direct fault.
Federal Limitation Act Invoked to Cap Damages at $15,800 for Personal Injury Claims
The filing estimates the post-incident value of the Black Pearl at $15,800, supported by an Ad Interim Stipulation of Value submitted to the court. If the court denies exoneration but grants limitation, the maximum recovery for all claims combined would be limited to this value. The petition also seeks a monition and injunction from the court, halting all existing and future legal claims related to the May 31 accident outside of this federal proceeding.
As of the filing date, no lawsuits had been filed, though attorneys representing the three individuals involved in the incident had sent letters of representation and requested insurance information.
Legal Strategy: What Is the Shipowner’s Limitation of Liability Act?
The Shipowner’s Limitation of Liability Act is a unique maritime law that allows vessel owners to limit their liability to the post-incident value of the vessel, provided they can show lack of knowledge or privity in the events leading to the loss. To qualify, the vessel owner must file the petition within six months of receiving notice of a potential claim. In this case, Atlantic Beach Water Sports complied with that timeline, filing within six months of both the incident and receiving notice from the parties’ legal representatives.
This legal strategy is often used in response to recreational boating accidents, especially when multiple personal injury claims may arise from a single event.
Injured in a Boat Accident? Speak With a Maritime Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Florida, particularly involving recreational or bareboat chartered vessels, it’s essential to understand your rights under maritime law. While vessel owners may try to limit liability through federal court petitions, injured parties may still be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact our experienced maritime personal injury attorneys to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
Contact us now to speak with a Florida maritime injury lawyer.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the petitioner 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.
