A tragedy occurred on an independent shore excursion after a Royal Caribbean cruise ship passenger was killed by a bull shark while snorkeling in the Bahamas. The late passenger was a guest on the Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas.
The attack occurred near Green Cay, just nine miles east-northeast from the city of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. At the time, the vessel was docked and visiting Nassau on New Providence Island for the day of September 6, 2022. Like with many ports of call, passengers were enjoying the island, including excursions offered through independent companies. The victim, a 58-year-old woman, and her family booked an independent snorkeling excursion through the Seas the Day tour company.
The location where they were snorkeling was a popular location for visitors to snorkel. Family members observed the bull shark attacking the female victim and immediately attempted to rescue her. She was brought to shore and returned to New Providence Island to receive emergency care, but she quickly succumbed to her injuries.
The area where the attack occurred has been closed to visitors indefinitely. Similar shark attacks have occurred in that same location before, including an incident involving a 21-year-old woman who was killed by a shark in 2019.
While these types of tragedies can occur at any time, regardless of whether the excursion is planned through an independent company or through the cruise line, we recommend that you book excursions through the cruise line directly. If the excursion is booked through the cruise line and an accident occurs, the cruise line will be liable for your injuries. You will have a much better chance of being compensated for any injuries or damages when going through the cruise line as compared to pursuing a legal claim for damages against a small independent company.
We also recommend doing your research into the company prior to booking any excursion. Look at reviews and research the area where you will be enjoying the activity prior to booking. If any questions arise as to whether the person through whom the passenger is booking the excursion is licensed, always ask. If the person is licensed, he or she will be able to provide the proper documentation.
INJURED ON A CRUISE SHIP OR CRUISE SHIP EXCURSION? SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY: 1-866-597-4529.
Cruise lines are responsible for the injuries that passengers sustain on and off the ship. Florida law is clear that cruise lines have a non-delegable responsibility to make sure that passengers are safe when being transported between the ship and shore.
If you have been injured on a cruise ship, tender or in port, it is important that you seek immediate medical care and report the incident. Cruise lines often defend cases based upon a “lack of reported incident.” Also, immediately consult with an experienced passenger injury lawyer who is admitted to practice in Federal Court.
Aronfeld Trial Lawyers has obtained millions of dollars in compensation for injured cruise ship passengers and crew members onboard the major cruise lines. We are constantly filing lawsuits against Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity and other cruise lines around the world in Federal Court. Since 1991, our law firm has helped injured passengers hold the cruise lines accountable. We work hard to get our clients compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering. The cruise lines are part of multi-billion dollar industry and employ the most aggressive and experienced lawyers–which is why you need experienced legal counsel on your side, too. Call Spencer Aronfeld today for a free consultation, Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer.
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