Norwegian Breakaway Overboard Incident: Legal Rights and Safety Info
Crew Member Falls Overboard ‘Norwegian Breakaway’ Still Missing After Search Efforts
@cruiseshiplawyer I report on a tragic incident where a #crew member went overboard on the Norwegian Breakaway en route to Boston. We discuss how the ship only searched for about four hours before resuming its route, compared to the standard 10-12 hours most #cruise #ships conduct. I examine the cruise vessel safety and security act requirements for man overboard technology, noting that very few ships actually have it despite the mandate since We talk about the difficult working conditions crew members face, including long hours, low pay, and confined quarters, and extend our thoughts to the family of the lost crew member and those affected by this tragedy. #crewlife #cruiseship
The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted of a crew member falling overboard the Norwegian Breakaway on Saturday, April 25. Authorities said the crew member was seen falling from an upper deck and into the waters about 12 miles off the coast of Cape Cod in security camera footage. The U.S. Coast Guard led search efforts, deploying helicopters and rescue boats before suspending the search Sunday afternoon.
The vessel was returning to Boston after a seven-day, round-trip Bermuda sailing. The Coast Guard suspended the search late Sunday evening and cleared the ship to continue its voyage to Boston.
How Do People Fall Overboard?
There are many factors that can contribute to a cruise ship overboard incident. Some of the most common causes include:
- Slippery or wet decks
- Suicide
- Intoxication or excessive drinking
- Overcrowding on decks or in pools
- Lack of proper safety equipment or barriers
- Poorly maintained ship infrastructure or equipment
- Negligence or recklessness on the part of the cruise ship crew
According to an article published in the International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health, Death at Sea: Passenger and Crew Mortality on Cruise Ships. There were 623 reported deaths. All data on passenger and crew mortality between 2000 and 2019 were obtained from 78 ocean and river cruise lines registered globally and analyzed by their age, gender, nationality, cruise line, and recorded cause of death.
Out of all deaths, 89% were passenger deaths and 11% were crew deaths. United States residents accounted for 61% of passenger deaths and crew from India (18%) and the Philippines (17%) recorded the highest crew deaths. Falls overboard or onto lower decks (23%), suicide, murder, and a terror attack (19%), unspecified natural causes (18%), and cardiac incidents (16%) were the primary causes of passenger deaths. Suicide and murder (29%) and falls overboard or from height (24%) were the primary causes of crew member deaths. The most passenger deaths occurred on Carnival Cruise Lines (29%), Royal Caribbean Cruises (12%), and Norwegian Cruise Line (10%). The highest crew member deaths occurred on Carnival Cruise Line (19%) and Royal Caribbean Cruises (19%).
If somebody you know or love has been involved in an overboard cruise ship incident, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. Throughout thousands of cases, our maritime personal injury attorneys have been able to help injured and deceased passenger families receive compensation for their losses.
If you believe that any of these factors contributed to an overboard incident which you are connected to, contact our offices so we can begin the investigation process.
How a Maritime Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been involved in a cruise ship overboard incident, our team of maritime personal injury attorneys can help. First and foremost, we can help you understand your legal rights and options. We have been advising clients on the best course of action based on specific circumstances for decades and have been successful in generating plans and arguments to win your case. This may involve negotiating with the cruise line’s insurance company or filing a lawsuit against the cruise line. Our offices are located a short drive away from the Miami Federal Courthouse, the courthouse where almost all international cruise ship injury cases are handled, regardless of the date or location of the accident.