Air Force Major Dies in Carnival Cruise Ship Drowning Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on June 21, 2019

Cruise ship giant Carnival has once again found themselves in hot water after a fatal drowning accident aboard one of their luxury liners claimed the life of a decorated military member this past Friday near Port Everglades in Broward County.

The Caribbean Princess, which hails from the Bahamas, was beginning its sixth day of a seven day voyage when this tragic drowning death occurred. According to reports, it was just before sunrise when the victim, 37-year-old Stephen Osakue, a research pharmacist & major with the United States Air Force who was stationed at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, was found unresponsive in the cruise ship’s Neptune pool.

A relative of a witness, who has requested that his identity remain anonymous, informed the Fort Lauderdale Police Department that his niece and other friends, including Osakue, had started their evening at the Skywalker Lounge, one of the ship’s popular nightclubs. The fun extended well into the early morning hours, with the party coming to a close poolside, where the victim, along with other people, were swimming. Mr. Osakue was discovered at approximately 5:15 a.m. Medical personnel aboard the liner rushed to the aid of the young man, but despite their best efforts, were unable to revive him.

The Caribbean Princess is classified as a “modified Grand Class” cruise ship operated & owned by Princess Cruises, a cruise line owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. A true “city on the sea”, this modern marvel contains over 1500 guest cabins, while employing over 1200 people to ensure that everything operates smoothly & efficiently. Nagin Kamali, a spokesperson for Princess Cruises, released an email statement to the press in regards to the accident: “Appropriate authorities were notified and conducted an investigation. A final determination is pending, however authorities have indicated that this incident appears to be accidental.”

For over forty years, Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham has been representing the victims & families of cruise ship accidents and drownings with the utmost care & compassion. If you are interested in scheduling a free initial consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY.

Sources:

• MAN DROWNS IN CRUISE SHIP SWIMMING POOL AFTER PARTYING ON POOL DECK, SHIP LOUNGE
• Air Force major drowns in pool aboard Caribbean Princess

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.