Missing Persons on Cruise Ships

The number of people who have vanished or gone missing on ships is astounding. Missing persons from cruise ships are a reality and it is disturbing to learn how often it occurs that an individual boards a cruise and does not disembark at the end of his or her vacation. Despite the cruise ship industries tireless efforts to maintain a false notion, that cruises are among the safest means of travel, reports prove this to be far from the truth. In fact, according to various watch dog groups for the cruise industry, over the last two years alone, at least 41 people have gone missing from cruise ships.

Unfortunately, due to the cozy relationship between regulators and the cruise ship industry officials, those in charge on the high seas will cover up for as long as possible, preventing the industry from appearing to be what it truly is. By fooling consumers into thinking there is high security on the high seas, profits continue to rise and passengers are tricked into a false sense of security.

Historically, the cruise ship industry either delayed or avoided reporting missing persons altogether, in order to prevent damaging its carefully procured image of safety in the travel industry Ultimately, the main agenda for executives employed by cruise companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival officials is to keep booking cruises, not to ensure the safety of its passengers.

Fortunately, In 2011 President Obama signed the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requiring, that ships report all disappearances and all crimes committed against US citizens to the FBI and the Coast Guard, in a timely manner. Hopefully, this law will set the tone throughout the industry in the future, and responsible parties will take matters more seriously, therefore, search parties can immediately be organized and the location of missing person, hopefully determined. So, why is it so important for the cruise industry to give consumers a false sense of security? Naturally, the answer is that of profit margins. In order to promote their business and keep their reputation as squeaky clean as possible, they must paint a picture of safety on board. However, frequent reports by news media, regarding dozens of individuals who have gone missing over years while enjoying a cruise vacation, point out the real dangers on the high seas. According to the Cruise Victims Association, almost 170 people have gone missing at sea since 1995.

Maritime personal injury attorneys at Gerson & Schwartz, PA are experienced at handling a wide variety of accident, injury, wrongful death claims including claims for missing persons.

Based in Miami, Florida the hub for cruise companies throughout the world, Gerson & Schwartz is on the forefront for individuals who have experienced the loss of a love one, or have experienced any form of personal injury such as assault, rape or any other security negligence issue while cruising. Consultations are always free and a helpful staff is available to confidently and professionally tend to the needs of those who cannot represent themselves against this massive industry of cruise ships. Contact (305) 371-6000 or info@gslawusa.com today for an appointment. Gerson & Schwartz, PA will fight for your rights on the high seas.