A devastating boat collision near PortMiami has left a tourist in a comatose state and several others injured. According to an NBC Miami report, Stephanie Camarato, a visitor from southern Illinois who was aboard the passenger vessel Thriller 06 on Super Bowl weekend, remains unconscious with a traumatic brain injury at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
The accident between the Thriller 06 and the pleasure craft Obelix occurred on Feb. 11, officials said, and has led to 29 injuries. While no fatalities have been reported, the severity of injuries remains concerning. As per a Hoodline article, emergency responders conducted on-site treatment for victims and hospitalized 13 individuals, with one being airlifted to Jackson Memorial.
Amidst the unfolding investigation, the Coast Guard has found no safety violations on Thriller 06, meanwhile, the owner of the Obelix—which was operating illegally—has previously told NBC Miami that their boat sustained no injuries. The cause of the crash near the bustling PortMiami, now under thorough scrutiny, remains under investigation by various agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
While the families of the victims are focused on the recovery of their loved ones, the legal ramifications begin to take shape. "Everyone wants to point a finger and blame someone but at this point, it’s about Stephanie getting better," Andrew Camarato, Stephanie's brother-in-law, told NBC Miami. The firm Mausner Graham Injury Law PLLC is representing several of the accident victims, signaling a forthcoming legal battle over the traumatic incident that has disrupted many lives.
In support of the Camaratos, who are grappling with the dire situation, a GoFundMe has been created to help with the financial burden. Stephanie Camarato, a cherished pharmacist, wife, and mother, now lies at the center of a tragedy that has beckoned the collective hearts and prayers of her community.
