A crew member went overboard from the Carnival Cruise ship CARNIVAL VENEZIA on May 10, 2024. At the time, the cruise ship was at St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The crew was engaged in an emergency drill when the incident occurred. A rescue boat was deployed, and the crew member was able to be rescued from the water. It is unclear if the crew member sustained injuries as a result of the incident.
Accidents resulting in a crew member going overboard from a cruise ship while in port can happen under various circumstances, each presenting serious safety concerns. Although these incidents are relatively rare, their occurrence can be alarming due to the potential dangers involved, including injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the causes of such incidents is crucial in implementing preventive measures to ensure the safety of all onboard.
One primary cause of overboard incidents involving crew members when a cruise ship is in port is slips, trips, and falls. The deck of a cruise ship can become slippery due to water exposure, either from cleaning activities or weather conditions like rain. In port, the hustle of loading supplies, turning over passengers, and general maintenance activities can also lead to clutter or obstructions on deck, increasing the risk of accidents. Without proper footwear, hazard marking, or awareness, crew members can easily slip or trip, resulting in them going overboard.
Another factor could be the improper use of safety equipment or failure to adhere to safety protocols during operations that require crew members to be near the ship’s edge. Tasks such as mooring operations, maintenance of the hull, or lifeboat checks involve positions where there is a risk of falling overboard. Lack of training, inadequate supervision, or non-compliance with safety harness usage can heighten the risk during these essential but potentially dangerous activities.
Additionally, crew fatigue and long working hours contribute significantly to the risk of overboard incidents. Crew members who are tired may have reduced concentration, slower reaction times, and impaired judgment, all of which increase the likelihood of accidents. Cruise ships in port are busy environments where operations continue around the clock to prepare for the next voyage. Ensuring that crew members have adequate rest and are not overworked during these critical periods is vital for maintaining overall safety on board.
There have been a number of recent incidents involving vessels. A crew member went overboard from the Holland America Line cruise ship ROTTERDAM on April 12, 2024. A small boat capsized off the coast of San Francisco, California on April 14, 2024. Two boats collided in Biscayne Bay in Florida on April 21, 2024. A small boat capsized on Lake Houston in Texas on April 30, 2024. There was a recreational boating accident in Hall County, Georgia on May 5, 2024.
Our experienced lawyers handle maritime personal injury and wrongful death litigation of all kinds and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured as a result of a maritime accident. The lawyers of Spagnoletti Law Firm have handled maritime lawsuits throughout the country.
The experienced and aggressive vessel accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident on a ship. There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to maritime injuries, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your rights.