An 11-Year-Old Girl’s Leg ‘Nearly Amputated’ by Boat Propeller, Parents Sue for $10M
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An 11-year-old girl’s life took a traumatic turn when she came close to losing her leg in a horrifying incident involving a boat propeller at a summer camp. Catherine Viteri’s parents have taken legal action against a Florida sailing club and its counselors following the severe injury their daughter sustained in July 2025.
Catherine Viteri was one of the children participating in a swimming activity at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club’s summer camp when the tragic incident occurred. Reports suggest that during the session, her right leg was lacerated and almost amputated by the propeller of a motorboat operated by one of the counselors. The entire ordeal left her mother, Michelle Viteri, recalling it as “the single worst moment” of her life.
The complaint filed in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court accuses the Coconut Grove Sailing Club and three counselors of negligence. It alleges that the counselor operating the boat was unaware of the number and location of children in the water, leading to the catastrophic collision with Catherine. The consequences were devastating, as she suffered a deep laceration to the bone, risking the permanent mutilation and dysfunctionality of her leg.
Speaking to NBC affiliate WTVJ, Catherine’s parents’ attorney highlighted the severity of the incident, emphasising that the girl’s leg is now “permanently compromised.” Justin Shapiro, representing Catherine’s family, expressed that the situation could have been fatal, with the boat’s propeller coming dangerously close to crucial arteries. He stressed the emotional toll the incident has taken on Catherine and her family.
The Viteri family hopes that taking legal action against the sailing club will not only seek accountability but also be a catalyst for improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies from befalling other children. They aim for a positive change that ensures the waters are safer for young campers in the future, with a focus on stringent safety policies and comprehensive training programmes at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club.
The lawsuit seeks $10 million in damages, indicating the severity of the harm caused and the lasting impact on Catherine’s life. The family’s lawyer emphasised the profound challenges they are facing in assisting Catherine through her recovery, underscoring the absence of a playbook for navigating such a traumatic event.
In the quest for justice and reform, Catherine’s parents are advocating for a safer environment for children participating in water activities, highlighting the need for stringent safety protocols and heightened awareness to prevent similar accidents. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising safety and diligence in recreational settings, especially when children are involved.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the hope remains that Catherine’s story will prompt necessary changes that protect young individuals enjoying water-based activities, ensuring that such incidents are prevented and that families can trust in the safety of the programs and clubs their children attend.
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This news article recounts the harrowing experience of an 11-year-old girl and her family, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures in recreational settings. The narrative underscores the legal actions taken by the family and their advocacy for improved safety standards to safeguard children participating in water activities.