For millions of vacationers each year, cruise ships represent a floating paradise, a chance to escape everyday life and explore new destinations. Unfortunately, the very elements that draw us to cruise ships – the sense of freedom, the relaxed atmosphere, and the international waters that seem to exist outside the bounds of everyday rules – can also attract those with darker intentions. For some families, this has resulted in an unimaginable tragedy.
The disappearance of a passenger or crew member is a nightmare scenario. Whether you’re a Florida resident preparing for your next cruise or someone who’s sailed before, you might wonder: just how common are these disappearances? How many people vanish from cruise ships each year? It’s a chilling question with some unsettling answers.
The Unsettling Statistics
Let’s start with the numbers, as difficult as they may be to face. Over the past two decades, it’s estimated that more than 200 passengers have vanished from cruise ships. That’s an average of 10 people per year – a small number compared to the millions who cruise annually, but a devastating statistic for the families involved. Each of those 200 represents a life interrupted, a family left searching for answers.
In 2010, a ray of light pierced the fog of uncertainty. The U.S. Department of Transportation began maintaining an archive of cruise line incident reports. This move towards transparency was bolstered by the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA), which mandates that cruise lines report criminal activity to the FBI.
These numbers, while troubling, likely don’t tell the whole story. Why? Because despite the CVSSA’s requirements, some cruise lines may be reluctant to report disappearances. It’s an unfortunate truth that such incidents can tarnish a company’s reputation, and there are concerns that some may choose to protect their image over complying with the law.
Moreover, the CVSSA is a relatively recent development. Before its implementation, there were no official statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding annual disappearances from cruise ships. This means that our understanding of historical trends is limited at best.
So, when we ask, “How many people go missing on cruise ships every year?” we’re left with an unsatisfying answer: we don’t know for sure. The estimates range from about 19 to 25 people annually, but these figures are just that – estimates.
What we do know is that every single one of these disappearances represents a tragedy. Whether it’s 19, 25, or even more, each number represents a person—someone’s loved one who boarded a ship full of hope and excitement, never to return.
Someone like Rebecca Coriam, a 24-year-old British crew member who vanished from the Disney Wonder in 2011 as it sailed off the coast of Mexico. Her case, still unsolved, highlights the complexity and heartbreak of these situations.
A Closer Look at Florida
Florida, with its 1,350-mile coastline and major cruise ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral, plays a significant role in the cruise industry. In fact, Florida’s ports account for about 60% of all U.S. cruise embarkations. This means that many cruise ship missing person cases in the U.S. originate from or are connected to Florida somehow.
The issue of cruise ship disappearances isn’t just a statistical concern – it’s an ongoing reality that continues to make headlines. In December 2023, the cruise community was shaken by the disappearance of Kevin McGrath, a 26-year-old man from Illinois who went missing from the Carnival Conquest as it returned to Miami from a four-day Caribbean cruise.
According to reports, McGrath was last seen by his travel companion around 7 am on December 23 as the ship approached Miami. The U.S. Coast Guard was notified and launched an extensive search covering more than 2,100 square miles. Despite their efforts, McGrath was never found.
Understanding the Risks
When you’re on a cruise ship, several factors can contribute to passengers going missing:
- Accidental falls: Rough seas, intoxication, or simply leaning too far over a railing can lead to accidentally falling overboard.
- Suicide: Mental health issues don’t take a vacation, and sadly, some individuals choose to end their lives at sea.
- Foul play: While rare, there have been cases of passengers or crew members deliberately harming others. There have also been cases of individuals being kidnapped, either onboard or on off-shore excursions.
- Medical emergencies: Heart attacks or strokes can cause people to fall overboard without anyone noticing immediately.
- Disorientation: Especially for elderly passengers or those with cognitive issues, it’s possible to become lost on these massive ships.
Understanding these risks is the first step in prevention. But what happens when prevention fails? What rights do families have when a loved one disappears on a cruise?
Legal Landscape: Florida’s Stance on Missing Persons
Florida law takes cases of missing persons seriously, whether they occur on land or at sea. Two specific statutes are particularly relevant:
- Florida Statute 937.021 – This law requires law enforcement agencies to accept missing person reports without delay. It states: “There shall be no waiting period before a law enforcement agency accepts a missing person report.” This is crucial in cruise ship cases, where every hour can make a difference in search and rescue efforts.
- Florida Statute 937.022 – This statute establishes a central repository for information about missing persons. It mandates that “every law enforcement agency in this state shall enter information concerning missing persons into the clearinghouse for dissemination to other law enforcement agencies.”
Florida is committed to addressing cases of missing persons promptly and thoroughly. However, when it comes to cruise ships, the legal waters can get murky. Maritime law often applies, and jurisdictional issues can complicate matters.
Do You Have Grounds for Legal Action?
Families of missing cruise ship passengers may have several grounds for legal action, particularly if evidence points to negligence on the part of the cruise line.
- Violations of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA): The CVSSA sets specific safety standards for cruise ships. If a cruise line fails to meet these standards, it could be held liable. This might include:
- Inadequate railing heights
- Lack of proper security cameras
- Failure to report incidents to the FBI promptly
- Insufficient Security Measures: Beyond CVSSA requirements, cruise lines have a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for passengers. This could involve:
- Inadequate lighting in public areas
- Insufficient security personnel
- Failure to monitor restricted areas
- Mishandling of Disappearance Incidents: The cruise line’s response is critical once a passenger is reported missing. Potential failures include:
- Delayed initiation of search procedures
- Inadequate preservation of evidence
- Failure to notify appropriate authorities promptly
- Negligence in Search and Rescue Efforts: Cruise lines have a responsibility to conduct thorough search and rescue operations. Shortcomings might include:
- Inadequate equipment or personnel for rescue operations
- Premature termination of search efforts
- Failure to coordinate with the Coast Guard or other rescue services
- Crew Member Negligence or Misconduct: In some cases, the actions of individual crew members may contribute to a disappearance. The cruise line could be held vicariously liable for:
- Failure to properly screen or train employees
- Negligent supervision of crew members
- Direct involvement of crew in criminal activities
Challenges in Proving Fault In a Cruise Ship Missing Person Case
While these grounds for legal action exist, proving fault in cruise ship disappearance cases presents unique challenges:
- Jurisdictional Complexities: Incidents often occur in international waters or foreign ports, complicating questions of which laws apply and where cases can be filed.
- Evidence Preservation: The mobile nature of cruise ships can make it difficult to preserve crucial evidence.
- Witness Availability: Passengers and crew members disperse after a cruise, making it challenging to gather witness statements.
- Time Limitations: Many cruise lines include clauses in their tickets that limit the time frame for filing lawsuits.
- Corporate Resources: Cruise lines often have substantial legal teams and resources to defend against claims.
The Importance of Legal Representation
If you find yourself in the unthinkable position of having a loved one go missing on a cruise ship, having an experienced Florida cruise ship accident attorney by your side can be invaluable. Here’s why:
- Navigating complex jurisdictions: Cruise ship incidents often involve multiple jurisdictions – the port of departure, the ship’s flag country, and international waters. An attorney can help determine where to file claims and which laws apply.
- Dealing with cruise lines: Large cruise companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests. You need someone equally skilled to advocate for you.
- Gathering evidence: Attorneys can help ensure that crucial evidence is preserved and properly analyzed.
- Understanding your rights: Maritime law is complex. A knowledgeable cruise ship accident attorney can explain your rights and options clearly.
Remember, cruise lines often have clauses in their tickets limiting the time you have to file a claim. Acting quickly and with proper legal guidance can be crucial.
While no legal action can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, successful claims may result in:
- Economic Damages: Compensation for lost wages, funeral expenses, and other financial losses
- Non-Economic Damages: Awards for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or misconduct, courts may award additional damages to punish the cruise line and deter future incidents
- Policy Changes: Legal action can sometimes prompt industry-wide improvements in safety measures and protocols
What To Do If Someone You Love Goes Missing on a Cruise Ship?
If someone in your party goes missing on a cruise:
- Alert the ship’s security immediately. Every minute counts.
- Insist on a thorough search of the ship.
- Make sure the incident is properly documented.
- Contact the U.S. Coast Guard and the FBI. Cruise lines are required to report certain incidents to these agencies.
- Reach out to an experienced cruise ship injury accident attorney as soon as possible.
- Keep detailed records of all communications and events.
If you or a loved one are planning a cruise, approach it with eyes wide open. Enjoy the experience, but be aware of the risks and take precautions. And if the unthinkable happens, know that there are resources and professionals ready to help.
Remember, behind every missing person statistic is a human story – a life full of potential, a family left searching for answers. By staying informed, advocating for safety, and supporting those affected by these tragedies, we can all play a part in making the seas safer for everyone.
Contact Our Miami Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers
Cruise ships will continue to set sail from Florida’s shores, carrying millions of passengers to destinations near and far. With vigilance, improved safety measures, and a commitment to addressing this issue head-on, we can work towards a future where no one disappears into the vast blue without a trace.
If you find yourself facing the nightmare of a missing loved one after a cruise, you are not alone. Contact Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA., today for a free initial consultation. We must act quickly to investigate the accident and preserve evidence that might hold the cruise line accountable. Our personal injury lawyers in Florida are here to help you and your family through this difficult time.