A California woman has initiated legal proceedings against Harbour Air, alleging severe injuries sustained during a collision between a float plane and a pleasure boat in Vancouver Harbour two years ago. The incident occurred on June 8, 2024, when the de Havilland Beaver float plane, carrying five passengers and a pilot, struck a boat with seven passengers and a driver during takeoff.
Details of the Lawsuit
Katherine Trivino, the plaintiff, claims she ingested jet fuel and contaminated seawater in addition to suffering injuries to her ankle, neck, and back. She is seeking damages from Harbour Air, the unidentified boat owner and operator, and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. The lawsuit was filed in B.C. Supreme Court.
According to the claim, Trivino had booked a sightseeing flight on the first day of a three-week vacation in British Columbia. The Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the accident, noting that the plane became momentarily airborne, struck the boat, and then settled partially submerged in the water.
Witness Accounts and Video Evidence
Videos posted online at the time showed the plane skipping over the boat, ripping off its windshield, and slamming nose-first into the harbour. Before the plane began moving, the pilot was warned by radio of a boat in the takeoff path and advised to use discretion. Trivino, seated on the collision side, saw the boat in the plane's path.
After the crash, Trivino and other occupants evacuated the plane before it sank and were assisted by first responders. The lawsuit states that the accident has caused and continues to cause serious personal injury, loss, and damage.
Injuries and Damages Sought
In addition to physical injuries, Trivino reports bruised and cut shins, gastrointestinal illness, shock, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, cognitive difficulties, and a fear of flying. She is seeking damages for pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, lost earnings, and care costs.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuit names the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority as a defendant, alleging negligence for failing to install buoys or navigational aids to mark the seaplane zone in Coal Harbour, unlike other harbours such as Victoria Harbour. Trivino claims the port authority breached its duty of care by not managing or separating boat traffic from the seaplane zone.
Harbour Air is accused of pilot negligence, including failing to watch for boats or abort the takeoff. The boat operator is alleged to have been negligent by entering the seaplane zone, and the boat owner is named as a defendant for the operator's actions.
