Most people who visit a cruise ship are excited to get out and explore, leaving their inhibitions behind. However, cruise ship excursions can also be dangerous if you aren’t careful. Many people don’t realize that there is a substantial risk of falling on cruise ships. Statistically speaking, around 1.5 people fall overboard each month. On average, 25% of those that fall off cruise ships are likely to be rescued. This means that there is little chance of survival if someone falls overboard without being seen. Here we explain why so many people fall off cruise ships and why you should visit this website in the unfortunate case of a loved one falling overboard.
The number one cause is alcohol and drugs
The image that comes to the mind of most people when they think of the typical cruise is people spending most of their time getting drunk by the pool. This is not actually an entirely inaccurate portrayal, as cruise ships profit a lot from the sale of alcoholic drinks onboard. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to spend hundreds of dollars on alcohol during their cruise. In addition to alcohol, drugs are also a common cause of people falling overboard. Although passengers have to go past security to board the ship, drugs are still smuggled onboard and used by some passengers. Alcohol and drug consumption can lead to impaired judgment and balance, making it much more likely for someone to accidentally fall over the edge of a ship.
Visitors scaling railings or moving from one balcony to another
Since most cruise ships have multiple levels, it’s not uncommon for people to want to explore all the different areas. This can be dangerous, though, as some visitors will try to scale railings or move from one balcony to another in order to get a better view. Unfortunately, this can often lead to someone losing their balance and falling overboard.
If you are on a cruise ship and want to explore all the different levels, you must use the stairs instead of trying to climb over railings or onto balconies. Although it may take longer, using the stairs is much safer and will help you avoid any accidents.
Intentionally jumping
Although it’s not common, some people intentionally jump overboard from cruise ships. In most cases, these people are trying to commit suicide. However, there have also been cases of people jumping overboard as a prank or because they dared to do it. If you are considering jumping off a cruise ship, it’s important to realize that the chances of survival are low. In addition, even if you do survive, you will likely be facing serious charges from the cruise line as well as law enforcement.
Being pushed by another person
In some cases, people have fallen overboard because they were pushed by another person. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as arguments or fights between passengers. It’s important to remember that if you are on a cruise ship, you are in close quarters with a lot of other people. Try to avoid any confrontations and keep to yourself as much as possible to reduce the risk of being involved in an altercation.
Can the cruise company be held responsible?
The short answer to this question is yes. The cruise company can be held responsible for people that fall overboard. There are several factors that will come into play in such a case, as you will see below:
The first factor to consider is what caused the person to fall overboard in the first place. If it was due to negligence on the part of the cruise ship staff or crew, then there is a good chance that the company can be held liable. For example, if a passenger falls overboard because someone left a door or gate open that should have been closed and secured, then the company may be found at fault. Or if the cruise ship’s bar intentionally served drinks to a passenger who was already visibly intoxicated, and that passenger then fell overboard, the company could be held liable for serving alcohol to an intoxicated person.
Another factor to consider is whether or not the cruise ship had any safety measures in place to prevent someone from falling overboard. For example, if there was a fence or railing around the deck where the person fell, and that fence or railing was not up to code or was in disrepair, then the company may be found at fault. Similarly, if there were no safety measures in place at all (such as a fence or railing), then the company may also be held liable.
Contact your nearest attorney
If you have any further questions about this issue or would like legal assistance with filing a claim against a cruise ship company for negligence causing someone to fall overboard, reach out to a local maritime lawyer. They will be able to better assess your individual case and advise you on how to proceed.