Late on the evening of December 23, 2021, 64-meter Rossinavi M/Y Utopia IV, was traveling at 20 knots in the Bahamas, when it collided with oil tanker Tropical Breeze, causing it to sink within twenty minutes, losing her full load of fuel. In addition to the resulting environmental catastrophe, several crewmembers were injured, and the case went to trial in April 2025.
Three crewmembers, including the chief engineer, ETO (electrical technical engineer) and deckhand, who asked to remain nameless, brought suit against the yacht and Utopia Yachting LLC for unseaworthiness, legal fees, damages, unpaid cure and maintenance under Jones Act regulations. Specific complaints were levied against the captain for negligence, including another near grounding when the yacht returned to port after the crash.
The crew involved were represented by leading maritime law firm Moore & Co. of Coral Gables, Florida, well known for crew advocacy cases. The case was brought to trial in Miami and lasted over two weeks.
The complaint included allegations that the captain had deserted his post for 15 minutes, spending time with the guests, meanwhile leaving the under qualified bosun alone on the bridge. During the trial, testimony by medical experts and character witnesses were levied against all the plaintiffs, with numerous tactics being used to delay the proceedings.
The case involved injuries to crew caused before, during and after the crash. The yacht was rolling severely as the stabilizers were not switched to zero-speed mode.
The facts: the ETO was in the main salon performing minor repairs, and was thrown against a cabinet and onto the floor. After securing the engine room, he assisted in evacuating guests, when he was injured again on the aft deck. He suffered broken bones in his foot and torn ligaments, eventually leading to severe hip issues requiring surgery.
The deckhand was assisting in the galley and also suffered minor injuries to his foot and leg.
The experienced chief engineer had several serious injuries while working aboard Utopia IV, from a series of accidents occurring earlier in the summer; also during and following the December 2021 crash.
At the end of this long trial, a total of $2,888,300 was awarded by the jury.
The question must be asked: will the many parties involved, including the owner, private management, professional management, crew agency, and above all the captain, be held responsible for ensuring the welfare and safety of their crew? This story is likely to continue, as the Bahamian government is said to be considering criminal charges for environmental damage that should not be ignored.