Florida Parasailing Death Results from Boat Malfunction

Florida Parasailing Accident Claims Life of Vacationer

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating a tragic maritime accident that resulted in the death of a Florida vacationer. David Sieradzki, 31, was visiting from South Carolina with his family when a parasailing excursion turned fatal. His boat malfunctioned, causing him to plummet 800 feet into the water. Though he was wearing a life jacket and was reportedly waving his arms, he was unconscious when pulled onto the boat and was pronounced dead shortly after.

Incident Details

Sieradzki was parasailing on a vessel named Almost Heaven, a 28-foot commercial parasailing boat operated by Fun N Sun Parasail out of Bradenton Beach. Though the boat's inboard and outboard motors appeared functional, its lower propeller unit reportedly malfunctioned, causing a sudden loss of speed. After Sieradzki fell into the water, the crew pulled him aboard by hand and attempted CPR until the Coast Guard arrived. He was transported to the Coquina boat ramp on Anna Maria Island, where emergency personnel continued resuscitation efforts, but he was ultimately pronounced dead.

Past Tragedies and Calls for Regulation

This accident is not the first of its kind in Florida. In September of the previous year, another parasailing tragedy occurred along Clearwater Beach. Alejandra White, a 27-year-old tourist from Georgia, was parasailing with her fiancé when strong winds snapped the tow rope. While her fiancé, Shaun Ladd, managed to swim ashore with injuries, White’s sail was caught by a gust of wind and dragged her onto the beach. She was transported to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.

In response, legislators proposed a bill named after Alejandra White to introduce state oversight of the commercial parasailing industry, but the bill failed to pass.

Parasailing and Boating Safety Concerns

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) estimates that there are between 70 and 120 commercial parasail operators in the state. According to the Parasailing Safety Council, between 1990 and September 2009, there were over 380 parasailing accidents in the United States and its territories, leading to 78 serious injuries and 22 deaths.

Furthermore, the FWC’s Boating Accident Statistical Report recorded 668 reportable boating accidents and 79 boating-related fatalities in 2010 alone.

Legal Considerations for Maritime Accidents

Many maritime injuries and fatalities result from individual carelessness, but some accidents occur due to third-party negligence or defective equipment. If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating or recreation accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact an experienced maritime admiralty attorney for a free case review to determine if you qualify for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. To explore your legal options, fill out our risk-free, no-cost case evaluation form today.