Are you hoping that Santa will leave a pair of cruise ship tickets in your stocking this year? Cruises can be a lot of fun and are a great way to gather the extended family together for a vacation/reunion. They are also a top choice for couples seeking a romantic, sun-soaked vacation to reconnect and make new memories.
But not all cruises consist of endless umbrella drinks and kissing on the deck under star-studded skies. While the cruise industry tries to minimize them, many accidents and tragedies befall cruise passengers on the high seas.
Injury leads to unplanned departure
As this story that took place last month illustrates, one man wound up Med-Evacked from his cruise via helicopter, along with a nurse. Although the details are scant, it appears that in late November, a male passenger injured his head while on a cruise ship located approximately 30 miles offshore from Anna Maria Island in Florida.
Reports indicate that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) was involved in the emergency rescue that involved a helicopter that flew the man to Tampa General Hospital for treatment of his head injury.
No information is available regarding how the cruise passenger was injured.
The problem with cruise ships
Even though most cruise passengers complete their jaunts with no more consequences than a sunburn, never forget that you are on a ship in open waters where rogue waves, sudden squalls and wet decks are realities.
Also, cruise ship passengers have suffered sexual assaults, been battered by other passengers and the ship’s employees and gone overboard under suspicious circumstances.
If you suffered injuries and damages on your cruise, learn more about your rights to seek compensation here in Florida.