Boat Accident

Police arrested Florida Keys fishing boat captain Laurence Lewis, 42, of Nauti Tails Fishing Charters, in connection with a devastating boat accident back in July. Authorities report that Lewis was drunk on tequila and high on drugs when he slammed his boat into the South Pine Channel Bridge in the Lower Keys around 1:30 am…

On December 13, two airboats collided in Collier County, injuring at least 24 people and sending 16 to the hospital. Per 7 News Miami: Multiple agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, responded to the scene of the crash south of U.S. 41 East at Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours, Friday afternoon. “Looks like…

Seriously injured in a boating accident?  If so, you need a lawyer.  But you need a specialist.  Why?  Because this area of the law is highly specialized.  Maritime law applies if the accident involved a small boat, large boat, yacht, cruise ship, jet ski, and any other “vessel” which was in any “navigable water”. And…

Norris Cut is a waterway located in Florida, acting as a natural passage between Fisher Island and Virginia Key. Located just south of the main channel that leads into the Port of Miami, Norris Cut has a rich history and plays an important role in the area’s infrastructure. Geologically, Norris Cut is a relatively young…

Baker’s Haulover Inlet is a popular inlet located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway and sits between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach. The inlet is known for its strong currents and can be challenging to navigate, especially during high tide or rough weather conditions. It’s a popular…

Haulover Inlet is a popular inlet located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway and separates the barrier island of Bal Harbour from the mainland. The inlet is renowned for its strong currents and is a favorite spot for many for boating, fishing, and water sports. It’s also known…

Government Cut inlet in Miami is an important maritime artery, serving as the primary access point to the bustling Port of Miami. Carved through the barrier islands of Miami Beach, this man-made channel connects the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean with the waters of Biscayne Bay. Its strategic location not only facilitates the smooth…

NBC reports that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has identified the hit-and-run boater who fatally struck a 15-year-old girl in Biscayne Bay this past weekend. Carlos Guillermo Alonso of Coral Gables was, apparently, the only person on the vessel at the time. Per NBC News,  the Commission’s “one-page report lists Alonso as the…

Hickey Law Firm announces it has filed a lawsuit in connection with the Thriller speedboat collision that happened on February 11, 2024 off of Port Miami. The collision injured 29 and sent 13 to the hospital. The Thriller speedboat and a charter vehicle collided close to 3:15pm. One of the boats involved was Thriller Miami…

Hickey Law Firm has filed lawsuit on behalf of a woman who suffered head trauma and a traumatic brain injury in a boat collision. Stephanie Camarato and her husband, Matthew, were both on the Thriller Miami tour boat when a charter boat hit the tour boat. Stephanie is still be treated for her injuries. We…

Nearly 30 people are recovering from injuries sustained after a tour boat collided with a private vessel on Sunday near Port Miami. The crash sent 13 people to the hospital, with another 16 sustaining injuries. No fatalities were reported, but the extent of the victims’ injuries is unclear as of Monday. Per CBS News: Around…

Cruise ships cannot dock at certain ports. That is because the port channel and basin are too shallow or the pier and the cleats and other structures on the pier are too small to handle massive cruise ships. At these ports, the cruise ships anchor outside the immediate port waters. The cruise ship uses its…

Boaters and passengers who intend to go out on the water deserve to be safe. Hickey Law Firm can help when someone else’s negligence causes your injuries. Make sure everyone has access to a well-maintained Personal Flotation Device (PFD). These are life jackets. They should be easily reachable, not stored in locked compartments. Keep a…

The Miami Herald has reported on a collision between two boats near Anna Maria Island, resulting in injuries to ten individuals. The incident involved a 50-foot race-style yacht and a 24-foot bowrider with 10 people on board. The collision occurred in intercoastal waters off the northern end of Anna Maria Island. All passengers from the…

Miami Herald: Police say alcohol played no role in fatal boat crash, but bodycam video raises questions The Miami Herald reported today that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which investigates all boating accidents in Florida, has come to the conclusion that alcohol was not a factor in the boating crash of a…

A ferry which carries cars, residents and visitors from Watson Island/Miami Beach mainland to the exclusive Fisher Island and back collided with a 30′ boat in dark, early hours Sunday morning. The 30’ pleasure craft sunk as a result of the collision. Tragically, one person died and another sustained serious injuries. PortMiami was closed for…

Two things about recreational boating cases in the waters off of Florida: They are common and they are complicated. They are complicated because maritime law applies. And under the maritime law, the boat owner is entitled in most instances to run to Federal Court and file what is called a Limitation of Liability case. This case is authorized…