Port Pays $350K After Otter Attack on Child at Bremerton Marina

Settlement reached in lawsuit over 2024 incident where toddler was dragged into water.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a river otter's sharp teeth and claws against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the danger posed by wildlife in public marina areas.A settlement over a vicious otter attack on a toddler at a public marina raises concerns about wildlife safety in shared recreational spaces.Bremerton Today

The Port of Bremerton has agreed to pay $350,000 to settle a lawsuit with the mother of a then-2-year-old girl who was attacked and dragged into the Bremerton Marina by a river otter in 2024. The family, who lived on a boat at the marina, was walking on the dock when the toddler was scratched and bitten on her head, face and legs before being pulled into the water.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks posed by wildlife in public marina areas, and the potential liability for port authorities in cases of negligence. The settlement reflects the serious injuries suffered by the child and the legal responsibility the Port of Bremerton may have had to ensure the safety of visitors.

The details

According to court documents, the Port of Bremerton does not admit fault or further liability in the settlement, which could be approved by a Kitsap County Superior Court judge on Friday. The family's attorney, Christopher Froines, stated that the family is 'happy to have it resolved'.

  • The incident occurred in 2024 when the child was 2 years old.
  • The settlement could be approved by a judge on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Port of Bremerton

The local port authority that manages the Bremerton Marina where the incident took place.

Christopher Froines

The attorney who represented the mother in the lawsuit against the Port of Bremerton.

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What they’re saying

“'They're happy to have it resolved'”

— Christopher Froines, Attorney for the family

The takeaway

This settlement underscores the importance of port authorities maintaining safe public spaces and being prepared to address potential wildlife threats to visitors, especially in areas where people and nature intersect closely.