The U.S. Coast Guard is actively searching for a 26-year-old man who reportedly went overboard on December 14 while on the Carnival Cruise Victory. The search is ongoing as the Coast Guard focuses on a 35-mile radius off the coast of Islamorada, located in the Florida Keys.

The ship was on its way to Port Miami after a four-day voyage and was approximately 35 miles south of the Florida Keys when the man fell overboard during the early hours of Friday morning. Shortly after the incident, the Coast Guard 7th District was contacted. A rescue team, including an Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, the Coast Guard Cutter Charles David, Jr., and the Air Station Miami HC-144 were then issued to search for the missing man.

This incident marks the third person to fall overboard on a cruise ship in the last month. A 69-year old woman from Holland was reported as falling overboard the MSC Preziosa. She was not found by the Coast Guard. In addition, on November 22, a 27-year old crew member from the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas vanished from the ship, never to be found. In both of these incidents, the disappearances were not discovered for many hours until the ships reached port.

According to a 2010 federal law, cruise ships are mandated to be equipped with technology to detect overboard incidents as soon as they happen, “to the extent that such technology is available.” However, when asked about whether they have the technology aboard the Carnival Victory, Carnival declined to comment.

INJURED ON A CRUISE SHIP OR CRUISE SHIP EXCURSION? SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY: 1-866-597-4529.

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.