UK Stewardess Sues Marshall Islands Yacht Owner After Alleged Sexual Assault Aboard M/Y EALU in Antigua

Damera Elsabet Girmay, a United Kingdom resident and professional yacht stewardess, has filed a maritime injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida under Case No. 0:25-cv-60661, alleging that she was sexually assaulted aboard the 132-foot motor yacht M/Y EALU. The complaint, brought in both in rem and in personam capacities, targets the vessel itself and its Marshall Islands–based owner, EALU MI, LLC, asserting claims for unseaworthiness, Jones Act negligence, and failure to provide maintenance and cure.

Stewardess Alleges Yacht Crew Assignment Placed Her at Risk for Sexual Assault on M/Y EALU

According to the complaint, the incident occurred on December 28, 2024, while the M/Y EALU was docked in Antigua. Girmay, a newly employed second stewardess aboard the luxury vessel, alleges that she was assaulted by a male crewmember while asleep in a shared cabin. She claims the yacht’s operator knowingly housed her with a male chef despite clear risks, creating an unsafe living environment aboard the vessel. The lawsuit states that the assault occurred during her service on the yacht and that she was denied a private or same-gender cabin, violating industry norms and safety expectations.

Yacht Operator Accused of Failing to Protect Crew and Ignoring Red Flags About Male Crewmember’s Fitness

Girmay’s legal team argues that the vessel was unseaworthy due to unsafe crew assignments, lack of security protocols, and failure to vet or supervise personnel adequately. The complaint states that EALU MI, LLC knew or should have known the male chef was unfit for duty and posed a risk to others aboard. Allegedly, no meaningful steps were taken to supervise or restrict his access, and shipboard policies concerning alcohol, shore leave, and safety were either inadequate or ignored. The lawsuit details multiple ways in which the vessel failed to provide a safe workplace, citing negligent hiring, retention, and supervision practices.

Seafarer Seeks Compensation for Mental and Physical Harm, Maintenance and Cure, and Punitive Damages

Girmay brings multiple maritime claims, including unseaworthiness, Jones Act negligence, and denial of maintenance and cure. She seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress, physical injuries, and lost earnings. The complaint alleges that after the incident, the yacht’s operator failed to provide adequate medical treatment or financial support. Girmay also requests punitive damages and attorney’s fees due to the willful and callous disregard of her rights as a seafarer, arguing that the employer’s failure to provide maintenance and cure worsened her condition.

Maritime Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Private Yacht Highlights Liability for Unsafe Crew Housing and Security Failures

This case underscores the duty of private yacht owners and operators to maintain safe living and working environments aboard their vessels, especially when housing mixed-gender crews. Improper crew pairings, lax supervision, and the absence of adequate safety policies may expose vessel owners to significant legal liability under U.S. maritime law. Girmay’s complaint is notable for its simultaneous in rem and in personam claims, seeking both damages and a judicial lien against the vessel itself.

Contact a Maritime Sexual Assault Lawyer if You Were Assaulted While Working on a Yacht or Cruise Ship

Sexual assault at sea is a serious maritime tort with remedies under the Jones Act and general maritime law. If you or someone you know suffered assault or harassment while working aboard a cruise ship or yacht, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, medical treatment, and emotional distress. Our legal team is experienced in representing maritime workers harmed by unsafe shipboard conditions and employer negligence.

Contact us now to speak with a maritime sexual assault lawyer.

Florida Insurers Seek Declaratory Judgment Against Marshall Islands Yacht Owner Over Crew Member Sexual Assault Claim

Accelerant Specialty Insurance Company, Texas Insurance Company, and Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London have filed a maritime declaratory judgment action in the Southern District of Florida under Case No. 0:25-cv-61304, seeking to avoid coverage in connection with an alleged sexual assault aboard the luxury motor yacht M/Y EALU. The insurers argue that their policy excludes coverage for sexual assault claims and that the insured failed to provide timely notice of the incident.

Yacht Stewardess Alleges Sexual Assault by Crewmember Aboard M/Y EALU While Docked in Antigua

According to court filings, the underlying incident occurred on December 28, 2024, when stewardess Damera Elsabet Girmay was allegedly sexually assaulted by fellow crewmember Wendell Lawrence while aboard the 132-foot yacht M/Y EALU in Antigua. Girmay later filed suit against both the yacht and its owner, EALU MI, LLC, in the Southern District of Florida under Case No. 0:25-cv-60661, alleging she was attacked in her bunk and that the vessel owner negligently hired and failed to supervise Lawrence. Girmay’s complaint asserts that EALU MI, LLC had reason to know Lawrence posed a risk but failed to take protective measures despite his foreseeable contact with other crewmembers.

Insurers Allege Sexual Assault Exclusion Bars Coverage for Claims Brought by Yacht Stewardess

In the recently filed declaratory judgment action, the insurers assert that the yacht’s commercial marine policy includes a specific exclusion for any bodily injury arising from sexual assault, abuse, or harassment, whether direct or resulting from negligent hiring, retention, or supervision. The policy defines sexual assault broadly to include any non-consensual sexual violation, and the insurers argue that all claims in Girmay’s complaint fall squarely within this exclusion. As a result, the insurers contend they owe no duty to defend or indemnify EALU MI, LLC or the M/Y EALU in the pending federal litigation brought by Girmay.

Insurance Carriers Also Argue Coverage Void Due to Failure to Report Alleged Assault in Timely Manner

The complaint further alleges that EALU MI, LLC failed to provide timely notice of the incident, in violation of the policy’s express condition precedent requiring written notification within 30 days of any potential claim. The incident occurred in late December 2024, but the insurers were not notified until May 2, 2025—months after the lawsuit had already been filed and the vessel was arrested. Under New York law, which governs the policy, failure to provide timely notice is a complete bar to coverage regardless of prejudice to the insurer. As such, the insurers argue that coverage is additionally precluded on the grounds of late notice.

Declaratory Relief Sought to Deny Defense and Indemnity Obligations for Alleged Onboard Sexual Assault

The plaintiffs seek a judicial declaration that they have no obligation to defend or indemnify EALU MI, LLC or the M/Y EALU in connection with the Girmay lawsuit due to both the policy’s sexual assault exclusion and the late notice of the alleged incident. The case underscores the importance of timely reporting and the impact of explicit coverage exclusions in marine insurance contracts, especially in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct aboard private and commercial vessels.

Contact a Maritime Sexual Assault Defense Coverage Attorney for Yacht Owners Facing Crew Claims

Owners and operators of commercial yachts and charter vessels should be aware of the limitations in liability coverage when facing claims involving sexual assault or misconduct among crew. Policies often contain strict exclusions and reporting requirements that can affect the availability of defense and indemnity. If your vessel or marine business is involved in similar litigation or a coverage dispute, contact our maritime insurance law team for guidance on your rights and obligations.

Contact us now to speak with a maritime insurance coverage attorney.