Executives with Carnival Corporation issued a pledge this week to take active steps toward reducing ocean pollution caused by their ships. The statement was made during a federal hearing in connection with environmental violations the company has been accused of committing.
Carnival has been embroiled in legal battle regarding these environmental violations and has recently been issued a $20 million penalty as a result of their conduct. Executives, including the company’s CEO Arnold Donald, faced a federal panel in Miami this week where they issued a statement, pledging to change their corporate policy when it comes to complying with all environmental regulations. They stated that this change would start from the top down, will be immediate, and will be implemented over the course of the next three years.
The federal legal battle stems from probation violations the company admitted to committing in 2016. The original case that brought on this probation involved a separate $40 million fine. Despite the monetary loss and legal ramifications, the company did not fix its policies when it came to the environmental impact of its ships and continued to cause damage.
Carnival was accused of dumping “gray water” from its ships in such locations as the Alaskan Glacier Bay National Park and discharging food waste into the waters off the Bahamas. Since Carnival has more than 100 ships around the world that sail to over 700 destinations, the environmental impact the company has caused with their actions is significant.
As part of the case, Carnival also admitted to falsifying compliance documents in connection to ordered probation. They also admitted to having cleaning professionals visit their ships just before scheduled inspections to pass these “surprise” visits.
Improving environmental compliance arguably needs to be more than just a changed action here and there. It will involve a total permeation into Carnival’s corporate culture.
INJURED ON A CRUISE SHIP OR CRUISE SHIP EXCURSION? SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY: 1-866-597-4529.
If you have been injured on your cruise, on a wet and slippery deck, down a poorly lit staircase or steep gangway, in port on an excursion, or on a tender boat- it is important that you speak as soon as possible with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims against cruise lines. Most cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Costa, Regents Seven Seas and Oceania require that claims against them be pursued in a very specific place under very strict deadlines. Failure to comply with each individual cruise lines deadlines can result in a complete loss of any and all legal rights.
Aronfeld Trial Lawyers is a personal injury firm located in Miami, Florida since 1991. We have fought hard to hold cruise lines accountable when they put their profits ahead of passenger safety. We are available 24/7 and encourage you to contact us even if you are still on your cruise. The sooner we can begin our investigation and preservation of key evidence, such as the CCTV footage of your trip and fall, slip and fall, assault or other type of injury the more likely we will be able to understand and prove how the incident occurred. Remember, the cruise lines have the most aggressive and well-funded defense lawyers in the world- protecting their profits. You need an experienced legal advocate in your corner who will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for lost wages, medical expenses, transportation reimbursement and pain and suffering. Call us today and speak with a cruise ship claims lawyer about your potential claim- toll free 1-866-597-4529, 305-441-0440, or by email. We are ready to help.
