Developer Countersues Injured Yacht Passengers, Blames Them for Crash

Hamptons real estate developer Peter Mangiameli has countersued passengers who are seeking $6 million in damages from him following a July yacht crash. Mangiameli alleges that the passengers' own negligence contributed to the incident, which left them with severe injuries.

In July, Mangiameli was accused of drunkenly crashing his yacht, the "Déjà Vu," into a Sag Harbor jetty. The original lawsuit, filed by Michail Dokianos, 51, Elena Dokianos, 51, and Sofia Dokianos, 22, claims Mangiameli was intoxicated at the helm when the collision occurred around 10 p.m. The passengers alleged they were left unconscious with broken bones.

Mangiameli, a developer who has built luxury estates for high-profile clients, has denied allegations of intoxication, gross negligence, and fleeing the scene. In his counterclaim, he states that Michail Dokianos was assigned the role of first mate and lookout for the return voyage. Mangiameli asserts that Dokianos appeared "significantly impaired," failed to properly use a spotlight to identify obstructions, and mishandled the boat's mooring lines. According to the filing, these alleged lapses contributed to the crash, the boat's damage, and subsequent salvage costs.

Mangiameli is seeking compensation from Dokianos for the boat's damages and salvage expenses. He also seeks to be reimbursed for his own legal fees and costs should the passengers' lawsuit prevail.

Page Six has sought comment from Mangiameli and the Dokianos family, as well as their respective legal counsel.