A third crew member has officially joined the ongoing negligence lawsuit against former superyacht Loon captain Paul Clarke, following the tender crash that occurred in St Barths on December 24. The latest legal filing introduces Austin Scaccianoce, Loon’s onboard videographer, as a co-plaintiff alongside Natalia Niznik and Klara Holubova, the two crew members initially named in the March 19 filing.
According to new court documents reviewed by BOAT International, Scaccianoce was aboard the tender at the time of the crash and reportedly sustained injuries to his hips, legs, and feet, including a fracture sustained while rescuing Niznik, who had been thrown from the vessel upon impact.
The updated lawsuit emphasizes the need for Scaccianoce’s inclusion, noting that failure to intervene could result in a lost opportunity to seek compensation for his injuries. He has formally requested the court allow his intervention and provide “any further relief it deems just and proper.”
⚠️ The Incident
The incident occurred when a tender operated by Captain Paul Clarke, identified in court records as the “operator” of the vessel Reel Time, allegedly collided with a rock peninsula while traveling in total darkness at speeds between 48 and 51 miles per hour.
It is claimed Clarke left the helm during the return trip to Loon, a decision plaintiffs argue led directly to the crash. Of the 11 crew members on board, six were injured.
- Natalia Niznik was ejected from the vessel, landing on rocks and suffering injuries to her face, jaw, and leg. She was later airlifted to Broward County, Florida for advanced medical care.
- Klara Holubova remained on the tender but suffered trauma to her ear, knee, and leg, before returning to the Czech Republic for continued treatment.
The plaintiffs are seeking over $100,000 in damages each, citing not only medical and hospitalization costs but also loss of earnings, impairment of future work ability, and psychological trauma.
🧑⚖️ Legal Proceedings
In May 2025, Clarke filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the case is “legally insufficient” and that Broward County, Florida does not have jurisdiction. His legal team maintains that Clarke is a UK citizen residing in Australia, and has only been in Florida for mandatory maritime training or personal reasons—asserting the legal burden of defending the case in the U.S. would be excessive.
The motion to dismiss is scheduled to be heard on July 10 in Broward County Circuit Court.
🛥️ Life Aboard Loon Continues
Since the incident, Loon‘s previously very public social media presence has gone private, including its Instagram and YouTube accounts—where the yacht had garnered a significant following for its high-end charter lifestyle content.
In the wake of the crash and legal proceedings, brokerage firm IYC has appointed Captain Michael James as the new rotational captain aboard Loon. James brings a seasoned pedigree, having previously commanded vessels including:
- The 63.5m Benetti Moca
- The 57.5m Feadship Halo
- The 51.8m Oceanco Joy
Loon, one of the industry’s most recognizable charter yachts, continues her Mediterranean season, currently operating in Croatia.
