The owner of the Montauk Docked boat, where designer Martha Nolan Oslatala tragically passed away, stands accused of allegedly biting a retired FDNY firefighter during a concert on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in Manhattan.
Michael Balf, who responded to the World Trade Center on that fateful day, claims he was assaulted by 60-year-old Christopher Dernan at a show at Webster Hall on September 11, 2021.
The lawsuit suggests that Balf was “assaulted with bites” in what he describes as an unprovoked attack.
Balf stated that the injuries he sustained would lead to “serious, permanent suffering” both physically and mentally.
Dernan has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that Balf initiated the altercation, and that his own actions were justified given the circumstances.
Following the incident, Dernan faced multiple charges, including intent to cause physical injury and third-degree attempted assault, among others. Ultimately, he pled guilty to disorderly conduct.
Records indicate that the civil lawsuit was settled in December 2023.
Martha Nolan Oslatala, 33, lost her life on August 5 aboard the Ripple, which is owned by Chris Dernan and was docked at the Montauk Yacht Club.
Lawyer Darren Moore, representing the former firefighter, mentioned that out of respect for both families involved, Michael wouldn’t comment on the past incidents tied to Christopher Dernan. He also noted that his client did not pay any parties upon resolution of the lawsuit.
According to the Suffolk County Police Department, Dernan is linked to an insurance mogul who possesses a stunning home in Montauk and another in Long Beach. This mogul’s boat, Ripples, was where Oslatala was found deceased.
The family’s attorneys for Nolan Oslatala have revealed that detectives are “questioning” individuals related to her death, indicating that the circumstances of the case are particularly unusual.
Adara, a representative for the family, shared that investigators are particularly interested in knowing who was with Martha that night. “At the time of the incident, we know there was one person present. Was anyone else there?” she asked.
Dernan was unavailable for comment.
