Home / Disasters and Accidents / Washington Port Pays $350K Over Otter Attack on Young Child
Washington Port Pays $350K Over Otter Attack on Young Child
17 Apr
Summary
- Port of Bremerton settled for $350,000 after a toddler attack.
- A two-year-old was dragged into a marina by a river otter.
- Family sued over alleged negligence regarding prior otter complaints.
A $350,000 settlement was paid by the Port of Bremerton to the family of a two-year-old girl attacked by a river otter. The harrowing incident in September 2024 saw the animal drag the child into the Bremerton Marina. This occurred as the family was en route to school from their sailboat home.
The child's mother was also bitten while rescuing her daughter from the water. Court documents alleged the otter scratched and bit the child on her face, head, and legs. The family filed a lawsuit accusing the Port of Bremerton of gross negligence.
They claimed the port was aware of an otter infestation and aggressive otter behavior at the marina but failed to address it. Residents had reportedly flagged concerns about "otter-infested" boats and damaged property. The US Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services later captured and lethally removed the otter, which tested negative for rabies.
In April 2026, the Port of Bremerton reached a settlement, describing it as a compromise of disputed claims, without admitting fault. The family's attorney expressed relief that the ordeal was resolved, with most of the settlement funds allocated to the victim and her siblings, along with medical bills and costs.
