A family vacation turned into a heartbreaking tragedy as a boy drowned at sea. The incident occurred off the coast of North Carolina on the Norwegian Cruise Ship Breakaway. Although two boys were found unresponsive, luckily, one boy survived the Norwegian cruise death event. The boy was airlifted, but the younger boy suffered a tragic death.
So, the Norwegian kid overboard death incident shifted our focus towards cruise ship safety. The legal proceedings showed how minimal negligence of the ship can be fatal for the cruise ship’s onboard passengers.
Heartbreaking Loss: Norwegian Cruise Kid Overboard as Four Year Old Boy Drowns:
The fatal incident occurred as the ship was sailing toward Florida. On a Monday morning in February 2014, the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship sailed from New York to the Bahamas.
Things were normal until two young brothers were discovered unresponsive in an adult swimming pool. They were four and six, respectively. So, a tragic incident unfolded even before anyone could notice.
Bystanders immediately rushed to their aid. They pulled the two boys from the water and administered CPR. A passenger, a nurse, expressed her horror at the lack of rescue readiness. She noted that the medical team of the ship took several minutes to arrive.
The older boy was revived. He was then airlifted to a hospital, where he survived. However, the four-year-old tragically succumbed to his injuries on board. The incident sparked public outrage, and most people blamed the negligence of the ship’s authority.
People debated about the lack of lifeguards. Also, there were inadequate safety regulations on cruise ship pools. A witness stated that the pools were reopened shortly after the boys were taken away. Moreover, the ship’s crew seemed to be “hush-hush” about the matter. So, it showed their lack of empathy for the drowned boy and his family.
Unregulated Waters: The Absence of Lifeguards
This tragic event was identical to another recent event. A six-year-old boy drowned four months ago on the Carnival Cruise Line ship, Victory. Thus, both cases highlighted a significant gap in safety regulations.
There were no laws about lifeguards at cruise ship pools. The law only states that the cruise ship must mark the sign, “No lifeguard is present.” However, it doesn’t force the authority to keep lifeguards present on the poolside.
This lack of regulation makes passengers, especially children, vulnerable. So, the full burden of vigilance falls on parents and guardians. The Norwegian Breakaway death is another painful reminder of this critical safety gap.
A New Standard: Disney’s Proactive Approach
Some cruise lines have taken proactive steps to address the risks. In a commendable move, Disney Cruise Line has instituted its own lifeguard program. They are the first major company to do so.
They have added trained lifeguards to family pools on all four of its ships. These lifeguards are on duty whenever the pools are open. They also assist with events like water slides and children’s splash zones.
Disney provides child-sized life vests for all its passengers. It further promotes safety. So, the initiative sets a new standard for passenger safety. It shows Disney’s commitment to preventing future tragedies. The Norwegian cruise incident shows the pressing need for other companies to follow the same safety features and standards. Sadly, no other cruise ships have formally added lifeguards in their pools and water-recreational areas.
The Duty of Care Under Maritime Law
When a Norwegian cruise line death occurs, what can you do? Under maritime law, a passenger may pursue a claim against a cruise line. They must demonstrate that the ship owner failed to exercise a duty of care toward their guests.
Cruise lines must ensure the proper safety and comfort of their passenger during their maritime travel. Did you or your close ones suffer from injury or death on the high seas because of the negligence of the cruise ship? If so, seek your compensation ASAP. It’s crucial to claim your full damages for financial and mental loss.
Seeking Justice: The Role of a Specialized Law Firm
The Jonesact Law Firm stands by the victims and their families in events like the Norwegian cruise child overboard. Our expert maritime law attorneys will handle your case compassionately. We have handled cruise ship negligence to protect the rights of the passengers. For any family or individual affected by an incident at sea, consult with Ledger Law Firm.
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