Family wins $350K settlement after otter attack at Bremerton Marina

A Washington family reached a $350,000 settlement with the Port of Bremerton over a September 2024 river otter attack at Bremerton Marina. The incident left a toddler injured and both the child and the mother requiring rabies shots; the suit was dismissed as part of the settlement, which does not admit fault by the port. State wildlife officials noted otter incidents are rare, while the port contends it had no knowledge of aggressive otters and that safety measures were adequate. Under the agreement, about 40% of the settlement funds go to attorneys, with the family’s share placed in a trust, and a portion covered by the port’s insurer. One otter was captured and tested negative for rabies, and authorities had previously acted to remove otters from the marina afterward.