Once again, a serious accident has occurred aboard a cruise ship. In this case, the victim is an 8-year-old boy. He was on the cruise line’s Anthem of the Seas ship that had just left the port in Bayonne, New Jersey, when he was found in one of the ship’s pools.
The boy was treated by the ship’s medical staff. However, according to a series of tweets by the cruise line, he needed further medical attention.
Fortunately, the ship wasn’t yet too far off the coast, so it turned around and headed back to the port. From there, the boy was medevacked to a hospital.
The next morning, the ship headed back out to sea on its cruise to the Caribbean and Bermuda.
According to a report from a Staten Island media source, the boy remained in critical condition on July 2 at Staten Island University Hospital. He had reportedly been underwater in the pool for possibly as long as 10 minutes when he was discovered by cruise staff.
It was not reported whether his parents or other adults had been supervising him. It was also not reported whether there was a lifeguard on duty at the pool. These factors and others may be relevant if the child’s family decides to take any legal action against the cruise line.
Cruises are the preferred mode of vacation travel for many people, and most return from their trips rested, relaxed and unharmed. However, cruise ships also have hazards that passengers need to be aware of. The combination of slippery decks, free-flowing alcohol and, of course, the occasional storm or virus outbreak can present dangers. Unfortunately, crimes such as theft and even rape and other violent offenses aren’t unheard of on cruise ships.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury or illness on a cruise, it may be wise to consult with a Mississippi personal injury attorney. He or she can help determine whether you have any legal recourse against the cruise line.
Source: ABC News, “Boy, 8, Medevaced From Royal Carribbean Ship After Pool Accident,” Tom Liddy and David Caplan, July 01, 2016
