Enoch Tong.Photo:USCGSoutheast/X
USCGSoutheast/X
A family is suing a yachting company, as well as other companies and individuals, for negligence after their loved one jumped off a yacht and drowned in the waters of Florida’s Biscayne Bay in March.
While docked in the bay, Tong, 20, jumped off the boat “when he was caught in a rip tide and began to struggle to remain afloat," according to the complaint, which also alleged that “as a direct and proximate result,” Tong “drowned and sustained severe injuries resulting in his death on March 19, 2023.”
The complaint said that his body was found the day following the incident.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Echarte claimed that after several hours of cruising around the Bay, the boat was anchored.
He said that the currents were strong and ripping at the time of the incident, and alleged that “neither the captain nor the mate aboard that vessel warned Enoch or any of the passengers of the swimming hazard that existed.”
He then said that Tong had jumped into the water and begun to struggle.
“I want to ensure that no other parent has to endure the pain and heartache my family is currently going through and will go through for the rest of our lives,” she added.
Enoch Tong.USCGSoutheast/X
In the lawsuit, the family filed negligence claims against Impulsive Life LLC, Starward Yachts Inc, Jones Boat Yard Inc, multiple “acts and omissions” including: “failing to reasonably and properly train, instruct or supervise its employees, agents, contractors, masters, officers, crew members, or seamen”; “allowing unqualified and untrained employees, agents, contractors, masters, officers, crew members, or seamen to operate the Victoria”; failing to properly equip or use the available safety and lifesaving equipment aboard the Victoria”; “failing to implement reasonable and proper safety policies and procedures for its passengers (or failing to instruct its crew of the same)”; and “failing to warn its passengers of the risks of jumping in the water, especially during poor or deteriorating weather conditions.”
Additionally, the complaint made negligence claims against multiple individuals, including crew members on the boat. The family is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, “exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney’s fees.”
WSVN reported that a police investigation was launched in March but no one was charged.
source: people.com
