Carnival facing investigation by federal prosecutors in Alaska regarding alleged environmental crimes they are said to have committed off the Alaskan coast. Official paperwork has been filed this week with respect to an incident occurring in September 2018.
The investigation involves alleged dumping that occurred on September 11, 2018 by Holland America Line’s Westerdam cruise ship. Reports indicate that the Westerdam illegally dumped approximately 26,000 gallons of gray water from the ship’s sinks and showers into the Glacier Bay National Park. Holland America is owned by Miami-based Carnival Corporation, which is why they are named as a party.
Under federal law, cruise ships are prohibited from discharging anything, including gray water, while in the park’s boundaries. The court filings show that an official investigation has been initiated as to what exactly occurred, but no formal charges have been filed.
Federal prosecutors have expressed some concern regarding how the company keeps their discharge logs aboard the Westerdam. They keep only electronic copies and not hard ones, but this fact does not mean that they are not accessible by prosecution. The company has acknowledged that they have been asked questions by the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding the discharge of diluted gray water on September 11, 2018 and are cooperating with the inquiry.
Carnival Corporation is expected to appear in federal court in Miami on Wednesday for another hearing in an ongoing matter regarding an unrelated environmental incident for which the company is currently on probation. In this issue, U.S. District Judge Patricia Seitz encouraged the company to provide clearer metrics to measure the pollution created by its ships so that the court can better track the company’s progress during the remaining two and half years they have on probation.
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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.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article235772237.html
