Although the sinking of the Titanic is widely considered among the worst cruise ship incident, as of 2023, there are many where more than one passenger was killed or maimed. At the outset, not all cruise ship disasters involved man overboard (MOBs) or drownings. Some involve mass disease transmission, being abandoned on a shore excursion, or being stranded at sea on casino cruises, often with endlessly flowing alcohol. In any event, not all cruise companies make it. Dream Cruises, a subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong, has struggled with its mega-ships cutting as it has flooded traditional cruise businesses. There is a proven formula to success, often leaving dissatisfied passengers full of fear in its wake.

This article by world-famous cruise ship lawyer Michael Ehline covers the 13 worst parent cruise lines. We included noteworthy incidents, including sinkings, fires, robbery, and sexual assaults on passengers by crew and others, as follows:

13 Worst Cruise Ship Incidents and Assaults in History By Cruise Line

Here are some of the notable worst cruise ship accidents and assaults in history and more:

1. Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival is one of the largest cruise companies globally. Carnival also maintains a growing list of multiple brands under its umbrella, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and others. Carnival does a lot of business in United States ports and owns so many ships. Naturally, this billion-dollar corporation tops our list of worst cruise lines EVER.

2013 Carnival Triumph “Poop Cruise” (0 Dead)

Date: December 18, 2013

Dead and Injured: 0 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: The Carnival Triumph experienced an engine fire in February 2013, leaving the ship adrift in the Gulf of Mexico on an eight-day nightmare cruise that was supposed to be four days. Although there were no fatalities, passengers endured challenging conditions due to raw sewage aboard until the ship was towed to port. (Passengers said carpets were soaked with more than two inches of raw sewage, and no air conditioning! (Gross.)

2010 Carnival Splendor Fire (0 Dead)

Date: November 8, 2010

Dead and Injured: Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: Dubbed “three days of hell,” the Carnival Splendor’s engine room caught on fire in November 2010, causing passengers to cope with unflushed toilets, bags of vomit, and only Spam to eat. Luckily, no one aboard was killed or seriously wounded, making this story an inconvenience and emotional turbulence.  

2006 Star Princess, Princess Cruises Fire (0 Dead)

Date: March 23, 2006

Dead and Injured: 0 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: A fire broke out on the Star Princess in March 2006, resulting in one death and several injuries.

Costa Cruises, aka Carnival Corporation & plc

Costa Crociere S.p.A., or Costa Cruises, is an Italian cruise line that includes Costa Cruises Shipping Ways comma Cargo. Established in 1948, it has operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc since 2000.

2012 Costa Concordia: The Capsized One (32 Dead)

Date: January 2012

Dead and Injured: 32 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: On January 13, 2012, the vessel Costa Concordia struck an underwater rock near Isola del Giglio island as it sailed too close to the shore. Captain Francesco Schettino decided to turn off the computer navigation alarm, believing he could navigate the waters without assistance. However, the absence of his glasses led to critical errors, and by the time he retrieved them, the damage was done, the ship ran aground on a treacherous reef. To make matters worse, it happened off the coast of Italy, ruining the vacations and lives of many families. Thirty-two passengers had tragically lost their lives, 64 others suffered injuries, and one missing person was never found, leaving families and friends in anguish.

The immense effort to salvage the Costa Concordia took a painstaking year and eight months to bring the ship upright again finally. Subsequently, another ten months of meticulous work were needed to transport the boat back to port, where it could be dismantled and salvaged. Read more here.

Cunard Line Owned by Carnival?

Yes. Cunard, pronounced as /ˈkjuːnɑːrd/, is a prominent British shipping and cruise line with its headquarters located at Carnival House in Southampton, England. It operates under Carnival UK and falls under the ownership of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Since 2011, Cunard and its fleet of three ships have been registered in Hamilton, Bermuda. This change in registration is a notable aspect of their operations.

Notable Cunard Line Accidents

RMS Lusitania Sinking

Date: May 7, 1915

Dead and Injured: 1,198 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: RMS Lusitania, named after the Roman province corresponding to modern Portugal, was a remarkable British ocean liner launched by the Cunard Line in 1906. Notably, it earned the prestigious Blue Riband title for the fastest Atlantic crossing in 1908, holding this honor until the completion of the Mauretania three months later. At the time of her sinking, she had briefly held the title of the world’s largest passenger ship. Tragically, on her 202nd trans-Atlantic crossing, on May 7, 1915, a German U-boat sank the Lusitania 11 miles (18 km) off the western coast of Ireland. This devastating event claimed the lives of 1,198 passengers and crew members.

White Star Line is Now Carnival?

Yes. The now-defunct White Star Line, a British shipping company, emerged from the remnants of a defunct packet company. Through gradual growth and development, it established itself as one of the leading shipping companies globally, offering passenger and cargo services between the British Empire and the United States. Unlike many other lines prioritizing speed, White Star set itself apart by emphasizing comfortable and enjoyable journeys for upper- and lower-class travelers.

Merger with Cunard to Carnival: In 1934, White Star Line merged with its main competitor, Cunard Line, forming Cunard-White Star Line. Later, in 1950, Cunard acquired White Star’s share in the joint venture. Cunard continued as an independent entity until 2005 when it became part of Carnival Corporation & plc. Cunard ships still honor White Star Line’s legacy by using the term “White Star Service” to represent the company’s high standard of customer service.

Notable White Star Incidents

1912 Sinking of the RMS Titanic (1,500 Dead)

Date: April 15, 1912

Dead and Injured: 1,500 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: The subject of many movies, RMS Titanic, the so-called “unsinkable” British passenger liner operated by the White Star Line. Although the world-famous shipwright designed her, Thomas Andrews, she still sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912, on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City. After striking an iceberg, she lost over 1,500 lives out of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew aboard, making it the deadliest sinking of a single ship up to that time. She remains the most fatal peacetime sinking of an ocean liner or cruise ship. The tragedy captured public attention, became a foundational theme in disaster films, and inspired numerous artistic works and news stories. Recently, a submersible imploded while diving on the sunken Titanic.

Seabourn Cruise Line, aka Carnival Corporation & Plc

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Seabonr is part of the renowned Carnival Corporation & plc.

2005 Seabourn Spirits Pirate Attack (0 Dead)

Date: November 5, 2005

Dead and Injured: 0 Dead, 1 Ghurkha Injured

Description: With 115 passengers onboard, Spirit was attacked by two speedboats filled with Somali pirates. They had been launched from a mother ship about 115 km off the coast of Somalia. The pirates fired machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades at the ship, but the crew responded with bravery and repelled the attackers. During the attack, no passengers were injured. Still, the ship’s master-at-arms, Som Bahadur Gurung, showed exceptional courage while trying to combat the raiders using a long-range acoustic device (LRAD). Gurung was hit by shrapnel during the encounter.

For their bravery and courage, security officer Michael Groves and Som Bahadur Gurung, an ex-Gurkha, were honored by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Groves received the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, and Gurung received the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery. After the attack, the ship altered its course to Port Victoria in the Seychelles for repairs, deviating from the original plan to go to Mombasa in Kenya, sailing to Singapore. It was able to resume its original schedule later.

2. Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean is another major player in the cruise industry, owning brands like Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara. This is another cruise company that relies on US business.

Noteworthy Royal Caribbean Group Accidents

2006 Mariner of The Seas MOB Death (1 Dead)

Date: May 15, 2006

Dead and Injured: 1 Dead, Injured None

Description: In 2006, onboard the Royal Caribbean ship Mariner of The Seas, a tragic incident occurred when a young man named Daniel Dipiero went missing while on a cruise with his friends. It was reported that he fell off the ship’s side, and the investigation revealed that he had been served too much to drink. This unfortunate event served as a reminder of the importance of responsible alcohol service and safety measures on cruise ships to prevent such accidents.

2002 Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas Accident (0 Dead)

Date: September 19, 2002

Dead and Injured: 0 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: En route from Florida to Bonaire, the liner suffered a fire in a store room on Deck 13. The fire produced heavy smoke and caused interior damage. The whole of Deck 13 and sections of Deck 12 were closed.

Celebrity Cruises, aka Royal Caribbean Group

Celebrity Cruises, a cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Royal Caribbean Group. The company’s origin traces back to 1988, when the Greece-based Chandris Group founded it. In 1997, Celebrity Cruises merged with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, solidifying its position in the industry.

A distinctive feature of Celebrity Cruises is its signature logo, an “Χ” displayed on the funnel of their ships, which represents the Greek letter chi and stands for “Chandris,” paying homage to its founding group. The company’s Greek roots are reflected in its logo, adding a unique touch to its branding.

2010 Celebrity Mercury Norovirus Disaster

Date: February 2010

Dead and Injured: 0 Dead, 435 Injured

Description: In 2010, a harrowing norovirus outbreak struck the Celebrity Mercury cruise ship, affecting over 400 of the 2,600 passengers and crew onboard. The highly contagious virus spread rapidly, causing widespread illness and distress among those on the vessel. The Centers for Disease Control investigated the situation, identifying it as a norovirus outbreak.

In response to the crisis, the cruise line and health authorities swiftly implemented containment measures, isolating affected individuals and implementing rigorous sanitation protocols to prevent further spread. Medical staff onboard worked tirelessly to care for those afflicted while the crew diligently disinfected and sanitized all public areas to mitigate the risk of infection.

Despite the challenges, the resilience and collective efforts of the passengers, crew, and medical personnel allowed the situation to be managed effectively.

Pullmantur Cruises Now Royal Caribbean Group?

Yes. Pullmantur Cruises, headquartered in Madrid, Spain, was established in the late 1990s as an extension of the Madrid-based travel agency Pullmantur. In 2006, it came under the ownership of the U.S.-based Royal Caribbean Group through its parent company, and Royal Caribbean later divested a 51% share of the cruise line to Springwater Capital. Now the risk is shared with this Spain-based investment firm while retaining a 49% stake.

2008 Zenith Disaster (1 Dead)

Date: July 27, 2008

Dead and Injured: 1 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: The Pullmantur-owned Zenith cruise ship collided with the berthed MS Aegean Pearl in Venezuela in 2008 while maneuvering for docking, causing one death and several injuries.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd

Owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises and does cruises to Hawaii as its claim to fame.

2005 Norwegian Dawn Death Wave (0 Dead)

Date: April 16, 2005

Dead and Injured: 0 Dead, 4 Injured

Description: The Norwegian Dawn was hit by a 70-foot massive wave in rough weather, causing two injuries and the flooding of 62 cabins and decks following subsequent waves against the hull. Fortunately, no hands died during that vacation tour collision.

4. MSC Cruises

MSC is a European-based cruise line with a significant presence in the industry, offering cruises worldwide and growing.

MSC is Now Star Lauro Cruises

Also known as Lauro Lines, founded by Achille Lauro in 1960 in Naples, Italy, initially operated two ships:

1. MS Angelina Lauro
2. MS Achille Lauro.

However, unfortunate incidents such as the burning of MS Angelina Lauro in 1979 and the hijacking of MS Achille Lauro in 1985 caused financial difficulties for the company, so in 1988, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) ventured into the cruise business by acquiring the liner Monterey. A year later, in 1989, MSC purchased Lauro Lines, branding it StarLauro Cruises, operating two ships:

1. Monterey
2. Achille Lauro.

In 1995, StarLauro Cruises underwent a name change and became known as MSC Cruises.

Notable Star Lauro Cruise Accident

1994 MS Achille Lauro Cruise Ship Disaster (2 Dead)

Date: November 30, 1994

Dead and Injured: 2 Dead, 8 Injured

Description: On November 30, 1994, the Achille Lauro caught fire off the coast of Somalia, carrying 979 passengers and crew to South Africa. Italian officials initially attributed the fire to a discarded cigarette. Still, later analysis suggested it started in the engine room due to a crankcase explosion, causing cooling oil to enter the exhaust. Lack of supervision led to the fire spreading uncontrollably before being discovered. The situation worsened despite efforts to battle the fire, including using hoses and buckets. The vessel was eventually abandoned the following day after the ship tilted, developing a list.

Some passengers and crew had to climb down a rope ladder from the stern to reach inflatable boats due to flames blocking the main lifeboats, resulting in two fatalities and eight injuries during the evacuation. The USS Gettysburg and USS Halyburton were among the ships that responded to the emergency. The Achille Lauro sank on December 2, 1994, witnessed by a fire tugboat. The wreckage has never been located as of 2023.

5. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is a UK-based, Norwegian-owned cruise shipping line with four cruise ships. It falls under the ownership of Bonheur and Ganger Rolf is headquartered in Ipswich, Suffolk, in the United Kingdom, and remains a division of the Fred Olsen Group.

Deadly Fred Olsen Cruise Incident

2007 Robert Heath Legionnaire’s Disease (1 Dead)

Date: July 31, 2007

Dead and Injured: 1 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: In 2007, bacteria was found on a Fred Olsen Cruise, leading to an early end of the trip, as reported by the UK Telegraph. A passenger named Robert Heath fell ill shortly after returning home and tragically passed away despite being prescribed antibiotics. An inquest concluded that Fred Olsen Cruises exposed Heath to Legionnaires’ disease. It was also revealed that the two doctors he saw during his illness did not provide adequate medication and failed to respond to his deteriorating condition, as reported by the Telegraph. As a result, the cruise line settled his wife’s wrongful death case for over $100,000.

6. Atlantic, Gulf & West Indies SS Lines

A passenger and cargo shipping company based in New York City, Agwilines Inc (Atlantic, Gulf & West Indies Steamship Inc) operated four main lines during the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s:

1. Ward Line
2. Clyde Line
3. Mallory Line
4. Porto Rico Line

Later, the Clyde-Mallory Lines, founded in 1908, had offices in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, and Washington. However, in 1949, Graham-Newman Corporation purchased a controlling interest in Agwilines Inc, acquiring 70,000 shares. Graham-Newman Corporation was an investment corporation established in 1926 by Benjamin Graham and Jerome Newman and was ultimately liquidated in 1954.

Famous Agwilines Inc Incident

SS Morro Castle (137 Dead)

Date: September 8, 1934

Dead and Injured: 137 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: The SS Morro Castle, an American ocean liner, was set ablaze due to a mechanical problem after a fire started in one of the storage lockers. She ran aground during its journey from Havana, Cuba, to New York City, United States, on September 8, 1934, after Chief Officer William Warms took command from his sickly Captain, Robert Wilmott. Several crew members abandoned the ship after insufficient firefighting attempts.

Most passengers were left alone without life jackets to try and navigate through the smoke-dimmed hallway inferno. The devastating incident resulted in the loss of 137 confused passengers and crew members despite rescuers lined up, rushing to help the lifeboats carrying passengers (mainly residents) away from the large cruise ship towards the Jersey Shore during the wee hours.

7. Chonghaejin Ferry Lines

Chonghaejin Marine Company Ltd., also known as Cheonghaejin Marine Company Ltd., was a South Korean shipping company that operated the ferry MV Sewol.

2014 Sewol Ferry Disaster (300 Dead)

Date: April 16, 2014

Dead and Injured: 300 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: Although not an actual cruise ship, the South Korean ferry Sewol capsized in April 2014, leading to the deaths of over 300 passengers, mostly high school students. In 2015, Captain Lee Jun-seok was convicted of homicide and sentenced to life in prison for the Sewol disaster. The incident deeply traumatized the country and significantly affected the then-leader, Park Geun-hye. The ferry operator, Cheonghaejin, was also held responsible, and the court ordered it to share the costs.

8. GAP Shipping, Bahamas

G Adventures is a prominent cruise operator specializing in small-group escorted tours for big timers. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, it has a global presence with 28 offices worldwide. The company boasts an extensive portfolio, Including over 700 itineraries in at least 100 countries at any given time, catering to around 200,000 travelers from 160 countries annually.

The company has partnered with the National Geographic Society, creating a unique program called “National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures.” This program includes 80 special tours that align with responsible and sustainable travel principles while offering enriching and educational experiences. It also owned the ill-fated MS/MV Explorer

2007 MS/MV Explorer (0 Dead)

Date: November 23, 2007

Dead and Injured: 0 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: The MS Explorer, MV Explorer, was a Liberian-registered cruise liner. It was a pioneering vessel designed to navigate the frigid Antarctic Ocean. On November 23, 2007, it became the first cruise ship to sink in those waters after colliding with an iceberg.

9. Epirotiki Lines

Epirotiki, a defunct shipping company with roots dating back to 1850, had a diverse fleet encompassing cruise vessels, cargo ships, and tanker vessels. The company operates in various maritime industry sectors, providing passenger and cargo transportation services.

Noteworthy Epirotiki Line Accident

1991 MTS Oceanos Disaster (0 Dead)

Date: August 4, 1991

Dead and Injured: 0 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: MTS Oceanos, a cruise ship built in France and owned by Greece, tragically sank in 1991 due to uncontrolled flooding. The ship’s captain, Yiannis Avranas, and some crew members were found guilty of negligence for abandoning the passengers without assistance. Fortunately, all 571 passengers and crew were ultimately rescued thanks to the courageous actions of the ship’s entertainers. They sent a mayday signal, launched lifeboats, and aided in the rescue efforts by facilitating the landing of South African Marines from naval helicopters.

It’s worth noting that Epirotiki Lines, the company that owned MTS Oceanos, had experienced the loss of two other ships in the three years leading up to the sinking. Their flagship, Pegasus, sank merely two months prior, and MV Jupiter dropped three years earlier.

10. Hurtigruten AS

Hurtigruten AS is a prominent Norwegian coastal ferry service and cruise line based in Oslo, Norway. It shares its name with the iconic Hurtigruten, the coastal ferry service it operates along the Norwegian coast.

As of 2020, a significant 81% of company ownership belonged to TDR Capital. At the helm of Hurtigruten AS is Daniel Skjeldam, serving as the CEO, and guiding the company’s operations and strategies.

Noteworthy Hurtigruten AS Accident

2011 MS Nordlys (2 Dead)

Date: August 4, 1991

Dead and Injured: 0 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: The MS Nordlys, operated by Hurtigruten, caught fire off the coast of Norway in September 2011, leading to two fatalities.

11. Republique Senegal, Ministere de l’Equipement, Dakar / Senegal

Under the authority of the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, the entity is responsible for:

• The preparation, coordination, and execution of the budget.
• The management of personnel and equipment.
• The Budget and Finance Division.
• The Human Resources Division.
• The Logistics and Equipment Division.

Noteworthy Republique Cruise Ferry Incident

2002 MS Joola Capsising

Date: September 26, 2002

Dead and Injured: 1863 Dead, Injured Unknown, Survivors 64

Description: In 2002, the Senegalese ferry MS Joola operated by the Armed Forces of Senegal, capsized off the coast of Gambia, resulting in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history, with over 1,800 lives lost.

12. Michigan Transportation Company

It appears to have been a now defunct, large corporation that offered many sister companies involved in lake and ocean transportation of goods and passengers.

Noteworthy Michigan Transportation Company Cruise Accident

1915 SS Eastland Port Tip Over (844 Dead)

Date: July 24, 1915

Dead and Injured: 844 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: The SS Eastland (“the speed queen of the Great Lakes”), operated by the Chicago-South Haven Line, was moored near the Clark Street Bridge on the Chicago River, getting ready to take passengers to Michigan City for a company picnic. It capsized on its port side at the harbor’s edge, killing 844 2,500 passengers (mainly Western Electric employees) and crew members that day, including 22 entire families. The ship never left the river, making it a devastating event that profoundly impacted everyone involved.

As you can see, there are more than ten worst cruise ship disasters in history to discuss, and it is cruise line-centric.

13. Australian National Line (ANL)

Australian National Line (ANL) was a coastal shipping line founded by the Government of Australia in 1956. Over the years, it played a crucial role in maritime transport and contributed significantly to the nation’s coastal shipping operations.

In 1998, the Howard government decided to sell ANL, leading to its acquisition by CMA CGM, a global shipping and logistics company. The transfer of ownership marked a significant shift in the Australian maritime industry, as ANL became part of a more extensive international shipping network under CMA CGM’s management that once owned the Royal Pacific Ferry.

Noteworthy ANL Accident?

1992 Royal Pacific Trawler Crash (30 Dead)

Date: August 23, 1992

Dead and Injured: 30 Dead, Injured Unknown

Description: The Royal Pacific, initially a passenger ferry from 1964, had a capacity of 250 passengers, 91 cars, and 16 trucks. After being sold and converted into a cruise ship in the late 1980s, its maiden voyage was a captivating two-night “cruise to nowhere” from Singapore, passing by Phuket, Malacca, and Penang. During its journeys, an unfortunate incident occurred when it was struck by a Taiwanese fishing trawler, despite taking evasive maneuvers upon receiving a warning from its Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD). A broken PA system made it hard to warn passengers, coupled with the crew who abandoned the passengers.

Worst Cruise Ship Rapes and Sexual Assaults By Liner?

Here are some notable cases:

• 2019 Carnival Sensation: In 2019, a crew member on the Carnival Sensation was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a female passenger.
• 2016 Carnival Liberty: A passenger on the Carnival Liberty reported being sexually assaulted by another passenger while on the ship. A young woman claimed she was slipped a date rape drug aboard the Carnival Miracle
• 2016 Disney Wonder: In 2016 a Disney Cruise Line employee was accused of sexually assaulting a young girl while the ship was docked in San Pedro, California.
• 2015 Carnival Breeze Cruise: In 2015, a crew member on the Carnival Breeze was arrested for sexually assaulting a female passenger.
• 2013 Carnival Triumph: In 2013, a teenage girl reported being sexually assaulted by a crew member while sailing aboard the Carnival Triumph.
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: Has also faced several sexual assault allegations on different ships over the years. Some cases have resulted in arrests and expensive legal actions.

Cruise lines, such as Norwegian, appear to be experts at losing videotapes and other evidence of assaults or raped females or children being thrown overboard. Cruise, dock walk the gangplank at foreign ports at your own risk, especially if a single woman drinking and caring for kids during dinner at restaurants with no chaperone. You could be jumped on a shore excursion or hijacked by pirates and forced to perform sex acts in exchange for your life. Worse, your attackers can still throw you into the sea with no tender boat or liferaft in sight. As you fall to your death, it is no comfort if the criminal is arrested, placed in a cruise ship jail, and convicted of manslaughter. Your life will still be over!

Conclusion

We just covered the 13 worst cruise lines by accidents and sexual assaults at sea. Are you an author or former cruise ship officer, or are you seeking experts or books on this topic? We are dedicated to exposing the secrets Cruise lines don’t want to face and are willing to spend the next minutes or hours assisting you too. We offer free initial consultations to all cruise ship victims 24/7 as well. If you want help from the right law firm, you can contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a confidential conversation to tell us your side of the story and get things under control!

Citations:

• Boating Accident Law Firm
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From Cop to Jailbird on a Cruise

Cruise ship holidays can be relaxing, but many people don’t realize that thousands of crew members work around the clock to ensure that passengers have the time of their life. Did you know a cruise can also take a life?

Cruise ship holidays can be relaxing, but many people don’t realize that thousands of crew members work around the clock to ensure that passengers have the time of their life.

But sometimes, some passengers may run into irresponsible and negligent crew members that can turn the entire experience traumatic. In recent news, a court sentenced a crew member to 46 months in Prison for assault resulting in serious injuries.

Let’s review the news details with Ehline Law and our personal injury attorneys.

Crew Member Assaults Elderly Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison

A 78-year-old crew member, John Mcavay, assaulted an elderly resulting in serious bodily injury to the passenger. Three days later, another cruise passenger identified the man resulting in his arrest and a trial.

A Retired Law Enforcement Officer Commits an Unprovoked Assault

According to court documents, in a confrontation between John Mcavay, a 78-year-old retired law enforcement officer, and an elderly passenger on October 25, 2018. In anger, Mcavay punched the citizen, knocking him out.

After the violent confrontation with the passenger, Mcavay disappeared from the incident scene, leaving the elderly helpless on the ground.

Seriously Injured Passenger Airlifted to Hilo Medical Center

When the passenger was found, he was in a critical condition requiring immediate medical assistance. The cruise ship captain reported the incident and called for emergency services to airlift older people to Hilo Medical Center.

From there, the medical staff moved the individual to Queen’s Medical Center for treatment that lasted about 30 days.

Cruise Ship Passenger Suffers Serious Impairments and Dies a Few Months Later

The victim suffered protracted severe injuries, including cognitive and physical impairments, requiring the medical staff to move him to a California hospital and a rehab center to help him recover from his serious injuries.

However, after a few months of suffering, the elderly patient died in February 2019.

Mcavay Arrested and Charged after Another Passenger Identified Him

Three days after the incident, on October 28, 2018, during coast guard investigative service, another cruise ship passenger identified John Mcavay as the perpetrator.

The law enforcement authorities immediately arrested Mcavay, charging him with assault and involuntary manslaughter, and began the legal process to prosecute the former officer for his crimes.

Defendant Mcavay Acted Cowardly; Judge Otake Stated

The judge presiding over the case was United States District Judge Jill A. Otake, with the US Attorney Clare E. Connors taking charge as the prosecutor. Court documents revealed Judge Otake found defendant Mcavay guilty, and Judge Otake found that Mcavay chose to punch the passenger rather than walk away.

Judge Otake added that Mcavay’s actions were cowardly and despicable.

Prosecutor, Without Reasonable Doubt, Could Not Prove Mcavay’s Manslaughter Charges in Non-jury Trial

In finding Mcavay guilty of involuntary manslaughter, Connors needed sufficient evidence to prove that pre-existing cancer was not a factor in the passenger’s death.

For the cruise ship assault, Judge Otake sentenced the former law enforcement officer to 46 months in jail and a year of supervised release.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Ehline Law

In the incident “46 months in prison for assault on the cruise ship”, the passenger’s family could not pursue a wrongful death claim as prosecutors couldn’t prove that the incident led to the death of a person with cancer.

If you suffered injuries in a cruise ship accident that was not your fault, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation, as you may be eligible for compensation.

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A cruise can be a fun-filled vacation with family or friends, but too many hazards can lead to accidents and injuries. Cruise passengers who suffer injuries often face legal challenges when pursuing formal complaints against behemoth cruise lines, usually about filing and identifying the relevant department.

Ehline Law and our cruise ship accident attorneys have more than 15 years of experience handling cruise ship injury claims and working with injured passengers to get them the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand how confusing navigating cruise complaints can be and have put together a guide on how to file cruise complaints with the federal maritime commission.

Who Should You Reach Out for Cruise Complaints?

In 2020 when the Federal Maritime Commission enforced the “No Sail Order” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cruise lines had to create exceptions to their ticket contract to allow for refunds to cruise passengers. However, this was a rare exception at the time.

Whether you’ve got a beef with the cruise company for changing the itinerary or are facing serious customer service issues, you should consider reaching out to the Federal Maritime Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS).

Trying to get compensation from cruise lines is like getting your money out of a Ponzi scheme that’s about to go bust. Although CADRS cannot offer you the compensation you’re looking for, they can point you in the right direction and assist with resolving your formal complaint by acting as a mediator between yourself and the cruise line through their alternative dispute resolution program.

If the cruise line is avoiding your e-mails, phone calls, or letters, CADRS can take up your complaint with the cruise line, requiring them to reach out to you as soon as possible.

What Services Do the Federal Maritime Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services Provide?

For any complaints that fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal Maritime Commission, CADRS will play a role in resolving them as a mediator or an ombudsman. If your complaints don’t fall under their jurisdiction, CADRS will guide you to the relevant agency to reach out for help.

Some of the services provided by CADRS do not include issues pertaining to safety, documentation, gambling, and problems relating to travel agents.

It is important to note that CADRS helps resolve complaints pertaining to cruises departing from any port in the United States. Still, it does not have jurisdiction over complaints involving foreign cruises. 

CADRS also does not provide assistance for cruise passengers who allege violations of the Shipping Act.

How to Reach out to CADRS?

The best way to connect with CADRS if you have complaints regarding your last cruise trip is to:

• Send them a fax on 202-275-0059
• Contact them via e-mail at complaints@fmc.gov

Whichever mode of communication you choose, you must explain the nature of your complaint, what type of compensation you’re looking for, information about the parties involved, and details about the cruise. It will help if you send in some documents or evidence, such as the cruise booking, ticket contract, and screenshots of any correspondence between the cruise line and yourself, that would help support your complaint.

If you’re unsure what type of documentation you must send with your complaint or want further information, contact CADRS at 866-448-9586. For more details about the application, check the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.

How Long Does the Complaint Resolution Process Take?

There is no specific timeframe for the complaint resolution process as it depends on the complexity of the complaint and the time it takes for the cruise line to respond (which varies from one cruise line to another). However, you can expect CADRS staff to respond to your e-mail or fax within 24 to 48 hours of filing the complaint with them.

It is important to note that CADRS cannot force cruise lines to offer you the compensation you may be looking for except ensure that the cruise line responds to you while acting as a mediator.

There are federal agencies such as the US Coast Guard that ensure cruise ships comply with relevant laws. However, even with such agencies, cruise lines continue to violate laws, putting the safety of cruise passengers at risk.

You should contact an experienced personal injury attorney if you’ve suffered injuries while on a cruise. A reputable attorney at Ehline Law has the skills and expertise required to pursue a personal injury claim against the cruise line and get you the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Ehline Law

If you’ve suffered injuries on a cruise trip, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation, as you may be able to seek compensation.

Get Tossed Over on a Water Taxi?

Our Ultimate Guide to Understanding Cruise Tender Accident Claims is here for victims and curiosity seekers. Let’s learn. When cruise ships are too large for smaller locations that don’t have facilities to host a large cruise ship, they often transport passengers via tender boats. These watercraft are a great way to explore hidden gems and breathtaking places worldwide. However, tender crafts are relatively easy to get into and board, making them risky for new and even experienced passengers and crew.

Ehline Law and our California ship tender boat lawyers have the experience and knowledge to handle tender accident claims and protect you from threatening insurance companies. Contact us to learn more about your rights as an injured victim to be protected by board tenders and crew.

Cruise Port Availability Determines the Need for Tendering

Ports have limited space and can only accommodate a certain number of ships before stopping access to other cruise ships’ incoming.

Remember that many tenders refuse you the ability to bring handicapped person assistive devices like wheelchairs. So caveat emptor when visiting small ports of the call, regardless of your loyalty status with the ship and crew member teams. The tendering process is a whole different ball of wax.

You’ll often see this happen at tourist destinations, especially during the holiday season when cruise lines receive the most bookings. However, the port authorities typically have designated tendering space available to accommodate tender boats to appease the cruise line.

Ports catering to cruise tendering are also called “tender ports.” And you sometimes get a tender if you cruise to specific city ports. These smaller locations are rarely docked and tendered at all. So check your itinerary and queue onboard before getting too excited. For me, motion sickness aside, I will avoid cruises altogether as they are far too dangerous and potentially destructive. As I sue cruise lines, I am careful and know the dangers passengers face before and after anchoring. Listen to me if you are reasonable and weigh the risks versus the unobstructed benefits.

Tender Boats Can Hold up to 200 Passengers

Now you may be thinking of small dingy boats for tender ships, but that’s not the case. Tender boats are relatively large. A small boat may accommodate up to 80 people, while a medium to the large-sized tender boat may have seating for up to 200 passengers. Tender operations can take considerable time, requiring many boats as cruise ships have thousands of passengers aboard.

Think of them as a water shuttle service transferring guests from one location to another. The shallow waters make it difficult for massive cruise ships to transport passengers directly to the shore.

Some piers may accommodate only one cruise ship at a time; if two arrive, one must anchor offshore and use tender boats to transfer passengers. Cruise ships can also use tender boats for emergencies.

What Does “Tender Required” In an Advertisement Mean?

When Cruise Lines plan a cruise, they review the logistics of the entire trip, and if the trip has smaller locations with piers incapable of hosting large ships, cruise lines advertise “tender required.”

When you come across this phrase, it means that the ship cannot dock at a particular port, and passengers will need to use a tender boat to reach the shore.

If you’re prone to sea sickness or are afraid to travel in tender boats, book cruises that only stop at large cruise ports with facilities to host them.

What Does “Possible Tender” In an Advertisement Mean?

With some of the top cruise lines based in Florida, like the Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, you may have heard about how cruise ships produce luxury experiences for their passengers as they adventure across the world.

Just like any other mode of transportation, accidents can occur anytime, anywhere. For example, a slippery deck can hurt your back, or a cruise ship’s encounter with another ship can seriously injure some passengers, ruining the entire cruise.

If you’ve been sick on a cruise or injured, contact Ehline Law immediately to seek legal help.

The United States Cruise Ship Industry

In 2016, the cruise ship industry in the United States delivered more than $126 billion to the US economy while generating more than a million jobs nationwide. The industry seems to be on the rise as a new workforce enters the job market. The older generation takes their retirement and travels across the continents.

Facilities on modern cruise ships include:

• Wifi
• Cruise cabins
• Main dining room
• Cafes
• Pool deck
• Spas
• Cinemas and more.

Essential Considerations When Going on Cruise Ships

Many people head on a cruise ship, hoping their trip will be pleasant. In many cases, this is true, as cruise ships have hundreds of crew ensuring an excellent experience for all passengers; however, some have an awful experience.

Ticket

Take your time to read the fine print on your ticket and see what your rights are as a passenger. Many cruise lines mention that if you get injured or sick during the trip due to the fault of the cruise line company, you have a year to take legal action.

Cruise Law

Since you boarded the cruise ship in the United States, the ship would have US law applicable to it. Well, that’s not the case.

Take a look at the flag on the vessel. Whatever flag you see on the boat, that country’s law applies to the ship.

Medical Care

Just because doctors are available on the ship does not mean you will get quality healthcare. The United States has thousands of clinics and hospitals, but medical malpractice is on the rise; it can happen on ships too.

Crimes

Whatever happens on land can happen on a ship. Assault, harassment, gunfight, robbery, and all sorts of crime can make their way to a boat, so lock your cabins, stay with your family, and don’t leave your children unattended.

Accidents and Disasters on a Cruise Ship

Look at some real-life examples of cruise ship accidents over the years.

RMS Titanic

The RMS Titanic left the world in awe as it had a collision with an iceberg in the North Atlantic due to the captain’s negligence resulting in more than 1,500 deaths from the 2,200 passengers on board.

Carnival Triumph

Carnival Triumph, or the “poop cruise” from the Carnival Cruise Line, saw a fire spread across the mighty ship with 3,500 passengers abandoning the boat. Although no one died, people felt sick from the bad sanitary conditions they had to endure while surviving until rescue came.

There are many such cases where passengers have experienced an uncomfortable trip, and here are some more real-life examples of disasters on a ship:

• Celebrity Mercury, 2010 – 400 passengers sick from Norovirus
• Sea Bourn, 2005 – Pirate ship attack in Somalia
• Northern Spirit, 2015 – One person dies from excessive intoxication

Duty of Care for Passengers

According to the Shipping Act of 1984, any passenger ship that departs from any port in the United States is responsible for the safety of its passengers from the embarkation day to when they reach their destination. Not only that, but the ship must also follow the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea guidelines and safety protocols.

The cruise lines’ responsibility is to ensure that their passengers arrive safely at their destination while protecting them from assault, sexual harassment, rape, abuse, negligent crew members, evil crew members, and other types of crimes.

For any passengers that disappear due to any incident, a cruise ship must perform a reasonable investigation, trace the passenger to when they were last seen, and report the disappearance.

A ship must always warn its passengers of any potential dangers when it’s entering rough waters, and a vessel must not serve alcohol to the point of intoxication. However, many cruise ships have no system to ensure that, as seen in the 2015 Northern Spirit example.

Breach of Duty of Care on Cruise Ships

Since it is the responsibility of cruise lines to protect their passengers, failure to do so will cause a breach of duty of care. The breach can occur when a passenger experiences injuries or gets hurt due to the fault of the cruise company.

A large cruise ship has the necessary safety equipment and lifeboats to protect passengers in an adverse event. However, we’ve seen in the past that even large ships lack the proper kit due to negligence.

Causation and Damages

Having an attorney is a great way to develop a strong case against a cruise company for any injuries or sickness during the trip; however, getting to prove that it was the cruise company’s negligence can be more complex than anticipated.

Recently, the California court dismissed a Canadian couple’s case who argued that they had gotten Covid-19 while traveling on a ship because it was tough for the couple. Their attorney to prove the crew’s negligence led to the virus spreading.

On the other hand, we’ve also seen cases where adults and young children on a cruise got sick from food poisoning, and the attorneys proved the crew’s negligence in the incident.

Our Los Angeles cruise ship attorneys can help you establish a genuine cause and effect, if there is one, and get you fair compensation for your loss. Experienced attorneys can help file claims for medical treatment, cruise ship tickets, lost income, medication, cost of holiday, pain and suffering damages, and other types of affirmations relevant to the case.

Can You File a Lawsuit Against a Cruise Line?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit and get claims for any damages, injuries, or illnesses aboard the ship during your sea travel; however, to have a case against the cruise company, you need to prove the following:

• The cruise line had a duty of care
• The cruise line breached their duty
• The breach of duty led to the injuries
• The injury led to damages.

Contact our Los Angeles cruise ship attorneys for help if you have gotten injured on a cruise.

Do You Need a Superior Cruise Ship Attorney in Los Angeles, California?

You do not need a lawyer to file claims against another party; however, having a lawyer look into your claims makes things a lot easier.

Duty of Reasonable Care

When it comes to filing lawsuits against cruise lines, the vast majority of the claims get denied because the plaintiff does not have a solid legal defense. Fact, there is a duty of care; the law states reasonable and sometimes heightened respect for cruise ship common carriers to passengers.

But it can become difficult to prove a duty exists if you don’t get the best California cruise ship attorney legal services.

For example, what if you experience the nightmare of being injured in a cruise elevator? (clothes get stuck, slip and fall at the pool entry area, etc.) Did you think travel insurance would cover your financial losses, pain, and suffering? Think again!

Shore Excursions

Most cruises stop on different country shores to let passengers disembark. During this time, cruise companies make some side income by arranging private tours and activities from independent contractors for the passengers.

Accidents can happen on such tours. In most cases, cruise companies deny claims since independent contractors are not covered by the law; however, our Los Angeles cruise ship attorneys have vast experience in alternate theories and can give the proper legal representation.

Evaluate Claims

When people apply for claims, they either ask for a meager amount since they don’t know what the company owes them or ask for too high, risking allegations denial. We can help determine your claims as the company may owe you more than you think since the claim value depends on many factors, including the incident’s destination, negligence, violations, and more.

Travel Tips

Reading cruise reviews before buying a trip can help avoid an unpleasant experience, but we’re not talking about these tips.

Besides filing claims, you can reach out to an attorney to get some legal travel tips to know your rights. You are getting aware before the trip can help you be calm and take the necessary steps to protect yourself immediately without any delays in case of any incident.

Ehline Law -Best Attorneys to Help Fight Cruise Lines

Ehline Law is a leading personal injury law firm offering California cruise ship attorney legal services to all who need legal representation.

Here are a few reasons to consider Ehline Law over other law firms for legal help.

Duty to Protect

Michael Ehline, the founder of Ehline Law, has spent most of his life protecting the citizens of the United States as a Former US Marine Trial Lawyer. After an honorable discharge, Michael took on the duty to protect the citizens by starting his injury law firm. With compassion and the responsibility to watch at the law firm’s core, you know you’ll be getting the best possible legal representation.

Washington DC Lobbyist

Michael is a dedicated Washington DC lobbyist and remains active by lobbying Congress on behalf of victims and has helped the International Cruise Victim organization by lobbying for them, giving them the proper legal support. It would help if you had a law firm that cares, and Ehline Law was built on these principles.

Results

Besides the cruise accident cases, Ehline Law has numerous wins outside and inside the court, with our attorneys recovering more than $150 million in compensation for over 3,000 happy clients. In our quest for justice, we have won cases against Princess Cruises, Carnival, and many others, smoking out money for cruise ship victims from the Port of Long Beach to Miami, Florida. (Employees, crew, and passengers).

Thankfully, here are a few settlements we have won for our clients for you to view:

• Doe v Doe – Cruise ship passenger assault ($4.8 million in compensation)
• Passenger v Cruise line – Slip and fall ($150,000 in salary)
• Lanham v Doe – Motorcycle accident ($10.5 million in salary.)

Awards

Our attorneys have won several awards, giving us the confidence to take on any legal challenge that comes our way, and some of our awards include:

• Superlawyers Rising Star Award (2006 – 2015)
• Premier Personal Injury Attorneys (2015)
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers
• Best Attorneys of America.

Making Headlines

Not every day do you see a law firm getting positive media attention. Still, Ehline Law has made it on the list as our attorneys remain active in the legal space by contributing to the California Bar Journal and creating awareness on legal issues on different media platforms like CNN, Los Angeles Times, and more.

Wide Range of Resources

From Antarctica during the pandemic to sunny California during summer, our flexible, aggressive cruise ship accident choosing a law firm to fight your legal battles is no easy task to navigate. You’ll need a firm with vast resources its attorneys can draw on. Our lawyers have access to the right contacts to give any legal case enough firepower to spearhead victory.

Contact us at (213) 596-9642 to speak to our Los Angeles cruise ship attorneys. We are always ready to assist you and your close family members through these dark days during your civil case proceedings!