Cruise ships are known for their luxurious accommodations, vast range of amenities, and exciting ports of call. However, the experience is not without its risks, one of which is the boarding and disembarking process when a cruise ship is anchored off the coast and the destination is reached via smaller boats, known as tenders.
Cruise ship tenders are small boats used to transport passengers from the ship to the shore when the port is not deep enough to accommodate the larger vessel. Despite the routine nature of this process, it is increasingly being recognized as a potential danger zone for passenger injuries.
Common Injuries while Boarding TendersInjuries sustained while boarding or disembarking tenders can vary in severity from minor bruises or sprains to more serious incidents such as fractures, head injuries, or even drowning. The most common reasons for these injuries include:
The legal implications of injuries sustained while boarding or disembarking tenders can be complex. If it can be shown that the cruise line or its employees were negligent in their duty to ensure passenger safety, there may be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. In a personal injury lawsuit, damages may be recovered for past and future pain and suffering, loss of income, medical expenses, and other damages caused by the incident.
Preventive MeasuresCruise lines, aware of the risks associated with tender usage, should take measures to prevent such incidents. These include:
If you or a loved one has been injured while boarding a tender on a cruise ship vacation, contact one of our experienced cruise ship injury lawyers today for a free consultation.