Falling Off a Cruise Ship: More Common Than You May Think

Cruise ships sound luxurious, but a vacation can quickly turn into a dangerous nightmare. The cruise ship industry has been under fire in recent years for a mountain of different complaints, from poor sanitation to dangerous conditions, such as bedbugs. Another nightmare that can transpire is falling off a cruise ship. Unfortunately, they are far more common than you think.

Falling off a cruise ship is a catastrophic event. The chances of survival after falling off the side of a ship are very low and can depend on two factors: the distance fallen and the temperature and conditions of the water. When falling from a great height, the impact can cause the air to be knocked out of the victims suddenly, which can lead to drowning very quickly. If waters are very cold, then the cruise ship may not even be able to send out help in time to save the individual because of how quickly hyperthermia can set in.

Reasons Why People Fall Off Cruise Ships

Many people have wondered how it’s possible to fall overboard. In fact, falling off of a cruise ship can happen due to a variety of reasons. It’s best to take as many precautions as possible when going on any type of ship, whether it’s for a vacation cruise or traveling on a ferry to get to work so that you can ensure your safety and get to your final destination.

1 Intoxication

Drugs and alcohol play a huge part in whether or not a person is safe when they are on a ship. In 2016, 33-year-old Samantha Broberg left a bar on a Carnival cruise ship after drinking heavily. According to camera footage, she was intoxicated and stumbling when she tried to sit near the pool deck, fell, and was considered lost at sea. Her husband said that his wife was served too many drinks. Ships are not on steady ground, so it’s easier to lose one’s balance, especially when one has been drinking.

2 Intentionally Going Overboard

Suicide is another reason for people going overboard. However, this is intentional. Going overboard cannot be stopped once the person has decided to jump.

3 Carelessness

Again, ships wobble a little and are not steady. If one is not careful when seas are more choppy than usual, then they can more easily trip and fall. Crew members may be more used to the unsteady conditions on a ship than passengers.

Statistics About Cruise Ship Falls

• 2015 was the year with the highest total of people going overboard, with a total of 27 who fell into the sea.
• According to a report released in 2016 for the Cruise Lines International Association by G.P. Wild, about 19 people fall off of cruise ships or ferries every year. Between 2009 and 2016 there were 8 deaths tied to overboard incidents.
• Between 2000 and 2008, 284 people fell overboard from cruise ships, and 41 more fell from large ferries

When to Call an Attorney

After you have been injured on a cruise ship, it’s important to research experienced cruise ship lawyers and hire one as soon as possible. They will be able to tell you what documentation you need to get, what steps you need to take, and will ensure that you meet important deadlines to file your claim.