Congress Moves Forward with Carnival Cruise Line Coronavirus Investigation

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on May 14, 2020

In yet another serious setback for the already-frail and failing cruise ship industry, the United States Congress announced earlier this month that they have started an investigation into the Carnival Corporation & PLC, owner of the Princess-line of cruise ships, which has suffered an incredible amount of coronavirus cases since the outbreak began back in March.

On Friday, May 8th, 2020, the House of Representatives submitted a formal request to Carnival, requiring the company to turn over “all internal documents related to the outbreak of COVID-19” dating back to the first of the year. According to Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure which is spearheading this probe, the purpose of this investigation is to determine whether or not Carnival executives mismanaged or mishandled their response to the coronavirus crisis. More than 1500 documented cases of COVID-19 can be traced back to nine different cruise ships within their fleet, including the Diamond Princess which itself had 800 cases alone, including 10 fatalities spanning 15 states.

The “no-sail” order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention restricts cruise ship travel until July 24th, pending any additional extensions. Carnival Corporation & PLC has yet to issue a comment regarding the pending investigation.

As many of the popular tourist destinations begin to implement their plans to reopen amidst the coronavirus pandemic, Congress wants to ensure that every major cruise line, including Carnival, adheres to the guidelines, policies, and procedures determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Our Committee, the U.S. Congress, and the American public need to be assured that the global cruise line industry, and Carnival Corporation & PLC in particular, are instituting necessary measures to ensure that the safety of the traveling public and crew members will be your number one priority when your ships set sail again,” the committee chairmen stated.

As our great state of Florida transitions into the “new normal” and moves forward through these uncertain times and uncharted waters, you can rest assured that the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. is here for you. If you or a loved one have been adversely affected by COVID-19 while aboard a cruise ship, please contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY to schedule a free initial consultation.

Sources:

• U.S. Congress announces investigation into Carnival Corp. response to COVID-19 outbreak
• Carnival Cruise Line Subject Of Congressional Investigation

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.