Thousands are protesting the increasing number of cruise ships sailing into Venice, Italy, after the MSC Opera lost control while sailing through the Giudecca Canal, crashing into a small boat and pier on the crowded canal. The collision caused five injuries but frightened many who argue that the accident represents a larger problem.
Prior to entering the port, the cruise liner reported engine troubles. The tugboats that were sent out to guide the vessel into the dock were not strong enough to control the ship or stop it from sailing directly into the smaller boat.
Videos of the 13-deck ship striking a small river boat and pier have gone viral immediately after the accident. Protest groups, such as “We Are Venice,” or the “No grandi navi” group, which translates to “no big ships” in Italian, are asking for a ban against all cruise vessels in the Venetian canals. These groups believe that this accident is a wake-up call to a problem that has been growing for quite some time. They argue that not only do the larger ships pollute and endanger the waters of the canal, but they also change the quaint and old-world character of the city of Venice.
Boats like the Opera bring in more than 2,000 passengers when they dock in the canal. These passengers then go into the city and spend money on food and other entertainment. While tourism is arguably a benefit to the city, the protestors argue that the risks they pose far outweigh the benefits the ships bring. For example, the artwork that local street artists display along the canal are dwarfed as the cruise vessels pass through the lagoon waters. Many come to the area to stroll along the waters and enjoy the ambience and artwork around them.
The Venice mayor has stated that this accident clearly demonstrates that large cruise vessels cannot cross the Giudecca Canal. The Italian government is currently in negotiations to work out an arrangement to somehow maintain tourism while still protecting the environment in the lagoon.
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.
