Another Hit-and-Run in Miami Highlights the Dangers on South Florida’s Waterways

Boating accidents which happen in any navigable water are governed by maritime law.  So call a maritime specialist who is also a trial lawyer.

As of April 2026, authorities have made multiple arrests in separate hit-and-run cases, including a jet ski collision near Miami Marine Stadium and a fatal hit-and-run in Miami Beach. These two recent events, combined with earlier fatal cases in Biscayne Bay, highlight the serious dangers on South Florida’s waterways.

Recent Miami boating incidents

In April 2026, on Biscayne Bay near Miami Marine Stadium, a jet ski operator, Andy Vences (34), struck a swimmer. The suspect allegedly fled the scene but was arrested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Vences was charged with one felony count related to leaving the scene of an accident without rendering aid.

In March 2026, a separate hit-and-run boating accident in Biscayne Bay near Miami Beach resulted in the death of a father, Davide Veglia (55), and injured his teenage son. After a 40-plus-foot four-engine cabin cruiser hit a 7-foot inflatable dinghy carrying Veglia and his son, the cruiser fled the scene. A vessel of interest was later identified.

Also in March 2026, Claudia Balmaseda Orellanes (33) and Neil D. Schwabe (54) were thrown from a 27-foot boat into the water in Biscayne Bay. The boat lost control and killed Balmaseda Orellanes, while also wounding Schwabe. Investigation in this matter is still underway.

These tragic incidents are not new to Florida waterways. There have been more cases over the years, including one in May 2021, when Jorge Rodriguez Del Rey (50) was arrested for a fatal hit-and-run on Biscayne Bay that killed 26-year-old Alcides Yagues. Rodriguez Del Rey was charged with leaving the scene of a boating accident with a fatality, failure to render aid, and failure to report the accident.

These cases span years, but show a troubling pattern.

Why hit-and-run boating accidents are especially dangerous

Hit-and-run boating accidents in Miami often leave victims in some of the most vulnerable conditions possible. When someone is hit in open water, witnesses may be limited. Victims can be left without immediate medical assistance, and even when they do get help, rescue efforts can be delayed, which can further worsen injuries or even lead to fatalities.

Florida law requires boaters to stop, render aid, and report accidents

Under Florida law and general maritime law, boat operators must stop and render reasonable assistance to injured persons, so long as doing so does not endanger their own vessel or passengers. Boat operators must provide identifying information and report the accident when it involves death, injury requiring medical treatment, disappearance, or significant property damage.

If someone leaves the scene of an accident on Miami waterways, the act can lead to serious criminal charges, including felonies in fatal cases.

What victims and families may be entitled to

Victims of boating accidents and families affected by fatal boating accidents may be entitled to compensation. This might include medical expenses and ongoing care for injuries related to the boating accident, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

If the case is fatal, families may be able to claim wrongful death damages.

An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and help you pursue full and fair compensation.

Why boating accident cases require a maritime law specialist

Boating accident cases can be more complicated than standard personal injury claims, especially those involving a hit-and-run. Think about it. There are no skid marks on open water. Evidence can be swept away, and witnesses are likely to be further from the scene of the accident.

Also, since boating accidents on any navigable water like any canal which goes out to the Gulf or any bay or ocean, or any river or the bays, gulf, Atlantic Ocean, fall under maritime or admiralty law, working with an attorney who specializes in maritime law is critical. They’ll know how maritime law claims are investigated and what laws apply to your unique case. A specialized approach can help ensure that victims have the strongest possible claim for recovery.

Why victims turn to Jack Hickey

Jack Hickey is triple Board Certified, including in Admiralty & Maritime Law. He has a deep understanding of vessel liability and federal maritime rules and extensive experience handling catastrophic boating accidents and wrongful death cases – with a proven track record.

Maritime law often involves complicated claims that do not involve the same laws as a standard personal injury case. When you’re fighting to recover compensation for injuries sustained in a boating accident, you want someone with in-depth knowledge of maritime law and experience handling catastrophic boat injury claims.

If you’ve been injured or lost someone in a boat crash, you want Jack Hickey. Reach out for specialized help today.

Speak with a Miami boating accident attorney

At Hickey Law Firm, we specialize in maritime injury law. We help boat crash victims and their loved ones when they need it most. Our experienced Miami attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t recover attorney fees unless we recover compensation in your case.

Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation. We’re here for you.