$3 Million small rogue wave lawsuit in Virginia Beach

[Sailor Sailor]

Interesting case about potential liability of shipowner and professional captain to injured passenger(s) in state and federal district court.

Video of 6-7' rogue wave on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWztpRKDmsg

In February 2020, a 6’ rogue wave hits Virginia Beach Aquarium Dolphin Tour boat “Atlantic Explorer” with 120 passengers in Rudee Inlet, injuring numerous passengers and damaging the boat.

On January 31, 2022, a passenger sues captain and shipowner for $3,000,000 in state court for personal injuries. Shipowner files for injunction in federal court to invoke Limitation of Liability Act which limits shipowner’s liability for negligence of captain and crew to the value of vessel and earnings of the voyage in which it was engaged. Captain answers with claims for indemnification and contribution from shipowner from any liability. Federal court judge denies passenger’s motion to dissolve injunction due to the risk of late arriving claimants to recovery.

[Orion Jim]

Wow…who’d have ever imagined there could be waves formed adjacent to an inlet…..I’m stunned…..