What are the most common cruise ship mishaps?

On Behalf of | Jun 24, 2019 | Admiralty & Maritime Law

Most people who go on vacation look forward to a relaxing and fun time and do not expect to be injured or get seriously ill. Unfortunately for some residents of Louisiana and elsewhere, nobody is immune to experiencing mishaps on vacation. This is also true if you are going on a cruise.

The staff and crew of your cruise ship are trained in safety procedures and are usually willing to ensure your safety and happiness during the cruise. However, accidents can happen, some of which are not always possible to prevent. Despite the vast majority of cruises going on without incident, numerous people are injured on cruise ships or during onshore excursions. In fact, explains MarketWatch, an average of 60 people are injured and 10 die during cruises every year. The following mishaps are the most common on cruise ships, which can result in injuries or worse:

  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Fires and explosions
  • Collisions with submerged reefs or rocks
  • The ship becoming stranded or sinking
  • Technical failures
  • Falling or jumping overboard

Serious illnesses can also be spread among the passengers and staff on the cruise, with the most common being gastrointestinal illnesses, such as norovirus. Before your cruise begins, the staff should educate passengers on standard safety procedures, including evacuation protocols and where to go to seek medical assistance. You may also want to familiarize yourself with the layout of the ship, walk about the ship with a “buddy” whenever possible and use the hand sanitizer that should be provided at numerous locations around the ship. Since maritime law can be complex, the information in this blog should not replace the advice of a lawyer if you are injured or become ill during your cruise.

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