Cruise Ship Disasters

Cruise ship disasters, whether portrayed in the movies or reported in sensational news stories, can be intimidating and even frightening to novice cruise passengers. Fortunately, disasters are rare and cruise ships have a variety of safety procedures and appropriate emergency equipment on board to deal with unusual situations quickly and efficiently.

Rough seas can cause cruise ship accidents.

A variety of different types of cruise ship accidents can happen on a cruise vacation. While these incidents are extremely rare, knowing what may happen in unusual situations can help passengers be prepared for the unexpected.

• Disease: Norovirus outbreaks occur on different cruise ships several times each year, often from an infected passenger not taking proper sanitary precautions. The symptoms of norovirus are similar to the flu, and passengers should wash their hands frequently to minimize any chance of infection.
• Fire: Because a cruise ship is a closed environment without any clear evacuation path while at sea, the prospect of a fire can be frightening. Ships are equipped with suitable safety equipment, however, and passengers should never smoke on board except in designated smoking areas. Do not fling cigarette butts over the side, either, because they can be blown onto a balcony or another deck where they may smolder.
• Grounding: A ship that runs aground in a shallow port or while passing close to land is usually able to free itself without much delay or damage. In severe cases, a tug boat or other assistance may be required, but rarely is there any danger to the passengers.
• Sinking: Cruise ships have every possible safety precaution to avoid sinking, from hazard detection systems to superior construction materials to detailed emergency procedures. Passengers should pay attention during each ship’s mandatory boat drill (prior to leaving the embarkation port) to become familiar with emergency situations and how they will need to respond.
• Pirates: Cruise ship pirates are a concern in some areas of the world, primarily near the eastern coast of Africa. Cruise ships are generally equipped to handle any potential threats and can easily outrun dangerous vessels.
• Rogue Waves: Hazardously large waves, inclement weather, hurricanes, and other unpleasant conditions may threaten to cause cruise ship tilt, flooding, or swamping. In this type of situation, passengers will be asked to stay in interior areas of the ship to minimize risks.
• Collisions: When entering crowded ports, cruise ships run the risk of colliding with other vessels, bridges, docks, or underwater obstacles. When a situation appears threatening, the ship may choose to anchor at a distance and use ferries to shuttle passengers to shore, or an experienced local harbor master guides the ship appropriately.

Icebergs are not a threat to most cruises.

• Icebergs: Alaskan cruises and cruises to Antarctica regularly come close to spectacular icebergs, but collisions are rare. When ships navigate routes with ice, their speeds are reduced to make maneuvering easier and to lessen the effects of any casual impacts with small ice.
• Passengers Overboard: The news occasionally reports the tragedy of a cruise ship passenger having gone overboard on what was supposed to be a lovely vacation. These instances are extremely isolated, and passengers can protect themselves by avoiding any horseplay or irresponsible behavior on balconies or open decks.

While it may seem that there are a lot of potential cruise ship disasters waiting to happen, unpleasant instances are actually very rare when you consider the vast number of cruise ships operating every day and the tens of thousands of passengers who enjoy disaster-free vacations each week. To safeguard against potential problems, cruise ships have many on board precautions, including:

• Safety Equipment: In addition to life boats and life jackets, cruise ships are equipped with sprinkler systems, attitude stabilizers, emergency rescue equipment, ship-to-shore communications equipment, first aid kits, and well equipped infirmaries.
• Safety Drills: All cruise ship employees participate in rigorous training exercises and regular drills to handle a wide range of disaster scenarios. Passengers must also participate in mandatory life boat drills prior to every sailing.
• Security Procedures: Strict identification methods including computerized records and manifests keep track of everyone on board the ship so no unauthorized individuals can have access to the vessel.

If a disaster does happen on board your cruise, there are steps you can take to help resolve the situation with minimal risk.

1. Remain calm at all times.
2. Treat or report any injuries and damage as soon as possible.
3. Follow all crew directions and safety requirements.
4. If you have special training or skills, such as EMT certification, let crew members know if you are willing to help.
5. Review any documentation offered to you after the incident, but do not sign waivers or disclosures without reading them thoroughly.
6. If the event caused you injury or damage to your property, consider consulting with a cruise ship accident lawyer as soon as possible after your trip.

The idea of cruise ship disasters happening on your next oceangoing vacation can seem frightening, but in reality these incidents are rare and the cruise ship is well prepared to handle emergency situations. Being aware of possible problems can help passengers know what to do in an emergency without risking themselves or exaggerating the impact on their vacation.

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