Man Goes Overboard Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship
A 51-year-old-man tragically went overboard the Norwegian Epic over the Christmas holiday. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Thursday. The cruise ship was on its way to the Bahamas sailing out of Port Canaveral.
Another nearby cruise ship joined in the search efforts, but the cruise line confirmed that the search ended Thursday evening.
The man, who was traveling with his family, went over the side while the ship was sailing from Ocho Rios, Jamaica to Nassau, Bahamas.
The Norwegian Epic was sailing northbound from Ocho Rios, Jamaica en route to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
The ship immediately stopped and began search and rescue operations, and it was joined by Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam ship out of Port Everglades, according to reports. After an extensive search that was unfortunately unsuccessful, the authorities released the ship to continue its voyage.
How Common is it for People to Fall Overboard on a Cruise Ship?
According to Condé Nast, roughly 90% of overboard cases result in death. Many statistics regarding overboard cases are not made public by cruise lines, and thus the severity of this type of situation might even be more pressing and frequent than currently understood. Alcohol, foul play, or suicide are the most frequent causes; however, often it is simply impossible to discover the truth.
Fortunately, technology exists to sound alerts when a passenger goes overboard. These systems, called MOB Detection Devices, include motion sensors, thermal detection systems, and drones that are designed to alert the ship’s bridge to stop the ship and immediately deploy search and rescue protocols.
There are a number of 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
When a passenger falls overboard from a cruise ship, the results are almost always deadly. Family members of passengers who die while on a cruise may have a viable legal claim against the cruise line when the death occurs due to the negligence or carelessness of the cruise line or its medical team. However, the law that covers these incidents is complex and governed primarily by an 1886 statute called the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA).
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, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania, require that claims be pursued in a specific location under strict deadlines. Failure to comply with each individual cruise line’s deadline 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 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 CCTV footage of your trip and fall, slip and fall, assault, or other injury, the more likely we will be able to understand and prove how the incident occurred. Remember, cruise lines have the most aggressive and well-funded defense lawyers in the world to protect 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 to speak with a cruise ship claims lawyer about your potential claim—toll-free at 1-866-597-4529 or 305-441-0440, or by email. We are ready to help.
