Multiple Injuries after Miami-Based Cruise Ship Tilts at Sea

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 6, 2019

Investigators are working to uncover just what happened aboard a cruise ship that left New York City this past Sunday, travelling to its first official stop in Port Canaveral, when it suddenly began to list violently. According to the most current reports, the ship involved in the incident, the Norwegian Escape, was a member of the Norwegian Cruise Line which is cruise company based out of Miami. It was not even a full day into its projected seven-night journey to the Bahamas when the incident occurred that caused the ship to tip aggressively towards its port side.

At the time of this writing, the full blame of the incident is being placed on inclement weather. Reports from the ship’s crew state that a gust of wind believed to be around 100 knots (approximately 115 miles per hour) struck the side of the ship with full force shortly before midnight on the Sunday of the departure. As a result of this massive blow, the ship tilted in a way that was immediate and frightening.

Passengers aboard the ship reported that tables, chairs, glasses, personal belongings and other people were suddenly thrown to one side of the vessel. As a direct result of this, numerous passengers and crew reportedly suffered from injuries. No information currently exists on the extent of these injuries or the precise number of people affected, but it is hoped that in the coming days the Norwegian Cruise Line will issue a more detailed statement regarding the incident and those affected.

The ship was able to continue its journey to its first stop, and remained in Port Canaveral for the scheduled amount of time. Officials stated that, because the issue was caused by a sudden and unpredictable weather event rather than a problem with the ship itself, the cruise would continue along its already established itinerary. It is not known if any passengers or crew aboard the ship would be unable to continue the journey due to their injuries. It is also not known if the Norwegian Cruise Line plans on making any reimbursements to the passengers or crew after the unexpected incident.

Sources:

• Freak weather causes Norwegian cruise ship to list, injuring passengers

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.