Cruise Ships

Published on: May 12, 2020

Cruise Ships Continued to Sail After COVID-19 Deaths

We will never know exactly how many passengers and crew have been infected with COVID-19 while on cruise ships. What we do know, is that Carnival Cruise Lines plans to resume its cruise operations on August 1, 2020. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is estimated that 30 million passengers traveled on a total of 272 cruise ships within the year (worldwide total).

According to information posted on the Carnival website, eight ships will be put back into service in late Summer. As of this posting, they include the Carnival Dream, Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Magic, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Breeze, and Carnival Elation. Ports of departure include Galveston, Texas; Miami, Florida; Orlando, Florida; and others.

Carnival spokesperson Vance Gulliksen said that the reopening of cruise ships “is fully dependent on our continued efforts in cooperation with federal, state, local, and international government officials. In our continued support of public health efforts, any return to service will also include whatever enhanced operational protocols and social gathering guidelines that are in place at the time of the resumption of cruise operations.”

Published on: May 14, 2019

UPDATE: Alaska Floatplanes Collide, 6 Confirmed Dead

by Joseph Stacey

1200px-DHC-3-Otter-300x141 Six people are confirmed dead after two floatplanes collided near Ketchikan, Alaska. Originally, 2 people were missing, but the U.S. Coast Guard and Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad located the remaining two near the crash site of the Beaver floatplane. They were deceased.

“We have been in regular contact with the family members throughout our search efforts,” said Capt. Stephen White, Sector Juneau commander. “This is not the outcome we hoped for and extend our deepest sympathies during this very difficult time.”

Ten people were taken to area hospitals and four with more serious injuries were flown to Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center.

Published on: March 26, 2019

Cruise Ship Viking Sky Loses Power, 479 Passengers Airlifted

by Joseph Stacey

Rocky seas can be a nuisance for cruise ship passengers, but when the weather turns stormy with high seas, that inconvenience can quickly turn into real danger for passengers and crew. That is exactly what happened this week as the cruise ship VIKING SKY experienced extreme weather and complete engine failure, then began drifting towards the shore.

The VIKING SKY was carrying 1373 passengers and crew members as it sailed towards Stavanger, Norway. Engines went out in a particularly rough patch of sea, and a mayday call was issued just before the crew managed to drop anchor in Hustadvika Bay.

Five helicopters were sent to the scene and began evacuating people, one at a time, as the ship was tossed around by 26-foot seas and 43 mph wind gusts. It was reported that the crew was ready with lifeboats for a complete evacuation, but the heavy seas made lifeboat evacuations impossible.

Published on: December 7, 2010

Lawsuits Against Cruise West Started By Injured Crewmen

by Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC

Cruise West’s financial troubles have resulted in many unpaid medical bills from injured crewmen. As Cruise West sorted through their financial woes and insurance problems, they stopped paying many injured crewmen their maintenance and cure benefits, leaving the crewmen stuck with medical bills and without funds to support themselves during their recovery.

Beard Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC has filed suit for several such crewmen. We are coordinating our efforts to recover compensation for their injuries and to be reimbursed for medical bills incurred. It is important to realize that under the Jones Act and the General Maritime Law, crewmen have special status and high priority in getting their claims paid. Cruise West vessels are subject to arrest and seizure for payment of these claims. Unfortunately, this can be a long process with various vessel interests battling over who is responsible to pay the crewmen’s bills.
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Published on: December 6, 2007

M/S Explorer Hits Ice and Sinks

by Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC

On Friday, November 23, 2007 the Canadian cruise ship “M/S Explorer” began taking on water after hitting submerged ice off of Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands. 154 tourists and crew abandoned ship into lifeboats, and were later picked up by the Norwegian liner Nordnorge, that took them safely to a Chilean air force base on King George Island in South America.

The Explorer was owned by Susan Hayes of G.A.P. Adventures of Toronto, a tour company that leads eco-friendly cruises. The Explorer was in the middle of a 19-day trip around Antarctica and the Falkland Islands when the incident occurred.

The Explorer listed to it’ starboard side shortly after the collision and by Friday evening had sunk. No injuries were reported.

Published on: April 3, 2007

EXCURSION VESSEL AND RIVER BARGE COLLIDE

by Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC

3/31/07: The 719-foot excursion vessel, River Explorer, was struck by a barge, the Nevin, that broke loose from a five-barge tow set-up. The River Explorer was on its way downstream toward New Orleans and the Nevin was traveling upstream toward Baton Rouge when the incident occurred.

The collision resulted in a 10 x 20 foot gash in the bow of the River Explorer. Pumps were successful in keeping it afloat until it reached a nearby river bank. There were no injuries reported, likely due to warnings to passengers by crew of the impending collision, nine minutes before impact.

The passengers on the River Explorer were nearing the end of their one-week cruise that took them to Cajun country and back to New Orleans from Baton Rouge, via the river. The vessel is hoping to only miss one of their week-long cruises while repairs are made.

Published on: July 24, 2006

Many Injuries Aboard Listing Cruise Ship

by Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC

The 113,000-ton ship, “Crown Princess,” limped back to port in Cape Canaveral on July 19th after it suddenly listed 15 degrees to its port side. Passengers reported that after about 30 to 40 seconds the ship returned to an upright position. At the time of the incident the ship was 11 miles out of port, and was carrying 3,100 passengers and 1,200 crew. Seas were calm.
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