Ohio Resident Sues Vessel Owners and Operators After Severe Tubing Accident Near Miami
Kaixin Chen, a resident of Ohio and citizen of China, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21414-DPG, names multiple defendants including the vessel 2022 Nautique Runabout, Zhong Jie Liu, Aquadolphin Watersports LLC, Miami Tropical Adventure LLC, Aiyun Li, and Yibo Zhao. The lawsuit stems from a recreational boating incident on February 16, 2025, that resulted in Chen suffering a fractured shoulder and other significant injuries.
Florida Boat Rental Company Accused of Reckless Operation During High Speed Tubing Excursion
The incident occurred in the navigable waters of Florida near Miami while Chen was a fare-paying passenger on a 23-foot Nautique Runabout. According to the legal filing, the defendants accepted payment to provide a boat ride that included tubing, an activity where an inflated raft is towed behind a vessel. The complaint alleges that the vessel was operated in an unsafe and reckless manner, specifically traveling at speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour while towing the plaintiff. During the excursion, the operator reportedly engaged in erratic and unsafe maneuvers which caused Chen to be violently thrown from the tube and into the water. The impact resulted in a fractured shoulder and necessitated medical intervention.
Maritime Lawsuit Alleges Negligent Entrustment and Lack of Commercial Insurance by Vessel Owners
The plaintiff asserts that the vessel owners, Aiyun Li and Yibo Zhao, are liable for the incident due to negligent entrustment. The lawsuit alleges that the owners allowed Zhong Jie Liu and the associated business entities, Aquadolphin Watersports LLC and Miami Tropical Adventure LLC, to operate the vessel for commercial purposes despite knowing they lacked the proper licenses and training to carry passengers for consideration. Furthermore, the complaint highlights a significant violation of Florida law, alleging that the defendants operated the vessel rental business without any commercial liability insurance. This lack of coverage, combined with the alleged failure to warn the plaintiff about the operators’ lack of qualifications, forms a central component of the negligence claims.
Plaintiff Seeks Foreclosure of Maritime Lien Following Permanent Injuries and Economic Loss
The legal action includes a count for the foreclosure of a maritime lien against the 2022 Nautique Runabout in rem. Under general maritime law, a maritime tort lien attaches to a vessel involved in an accident, effectively traveling with the boat regardless of whether the owners attempt to sell it after the incident. Chen is requesting that the court allow for the arrest and sale of the vessel to satisfy claims for damages. The plaintiff seeks compensation for a wide range of losses, including physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, and the permanent impairment of earning capacity. The complaint contends that the defendants had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions and failed to exercise reasonable care to correct them or provide a safe environment for recreational activities.
Miami Vessel Operators Face Claims of Negligence Per Se and Violations of Florida Shipping Statutes
In addition to general negligence, the lawsuit cites violations of specific maritime and Florida statutes, including Florida Statute section 327.32. The plaintiff argues that the erratic operation of the boat at high speeds while towing a passenger constitutes a breach of the duty of reasonable care owed to passengers in navigable waters. The complaint also alleges that the business entities involved functioned as a joint venture, sharing profits and losses, which would make all named defendants jointly and severally liable for the resulting damages. By failing to secure the necessary training, licenses, and insurance, the defendants are accused of creating an inherently dangerous environment for tourists and local passengers alike.
Contact a Miami Boat Accident Lawyer Today if You Were Injured During a Vessel Rental or Tubing Trip
Passengers who suffer injuries during boat rentals, tubing excursions, or charter trips due to reckless operation or unlicensed operators may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. Owners and operators have a non-delegable duty to ensure their vessels are handled safely and that all commercial activities comply with state and federal safety regulations. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident involving high-speed maneuvers or negligent entrustment, it is vital to consult with an experienced maritime attorney to protect your rights and explore your options for recovery.
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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.
