Pedro Pangelinan Pinaula and Linda Cruz Pangelinan filed their complaint in federal court on Monday against Banga Bandhu Baidya and Seahorse Inc. Saipan.
The couple is seeking damages for reckless infliction of emotional distress, loss of consortium and negligent training/supervision.
Pangelinan said that on Aug. 25, 2007, he was swimming and fishing with a sling in the shallow waters off Micro Beach.
A cooler was tied to Pinaula’s waist by means of a rope, when suddenly a boat owned by Seahorse and operated by Baidya passed by.
To avoid being struck by the boat, Pinaula quickly submerged, his complaint stated.
“However,” it added, “the rope connecting him to his cooler became caught in the propeller of the boat and was violently severed. The propeller…also struck and cut the swimming fins” on Pinaula’s feet.
The complaint said he “has suffered both physical and emotional injuries…[and]the incident forced him to give up regular fishing.”
According to the complaint, Pangelinan has been deprived of the care, companionship, comfort, support, aid and society of Pinaula, “resulting in suffering, anguish, emotional distress, loss of income, and loss of enjoyment of life.”
Baidya and Seahorse Inc. were ordered to file their answer within 20 days upon receipt of the summons.
