Home / Crime and Justice / Yacht Death Case: Federal Lawsuit Puts Family's Claims on Hold
Yacht Death Case: Federal Lawsuit Puts Family's Claims on Hold
14 Nov
Summary
- Federal law is delaying a family's lawsuit over a designer's death.
- Owner seeks to limit liability to the boat's appraised value.
- The case hinges on the owner's 'privity' or knowledge of circumstances.
The family of Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra, an Irish fashion designer found deceased on a yacht at Montauk Yacht Club in August 2025, is navigating a complex legal challenge. The yacht's owner, Christopher Durnan, has filed a federal maritime law petition to delay the state wrongful death lawsuit. His legal team argues for exoneration or a limitation of liability to the boat's appraised value of $476,942.
Attorneys suggest this is a common tactic, aiming to leverage protections offered by federal maritime law. The core of the federal dispute will revolve around the concept of "privity," determining if Durnan had personal knowledge or responsibility for any circumstances contributing to Nolan-O'Slatarra's death. Even though the yacht was docked, it was in a navigable waterway, making it subject to admiralty jurisdiction.
Durnan denies wrongdoing and has not been charged. Court filings state he attempted aid and sought help from others when Nolan-O'Slatarra was found unresponsive. His legal team asserts he acted reasonably and without "privity or knowledge" of any contributing fault. The family faced challenges serving Durnan, with his petition filed after his eventual service at a Florida property.
On October 27, 2026, a federal judge approved Durnan's request to post the boat's value as collateral, staying related litigation. The family has until January 25, 2027, to contest Durnan's bid in federal court. Police found no signs of violence, but the family's lawsuit alleges assault or gross negligence.
