Cruise Ship Missing Persons Lawyer

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. A cruise ship missing persons lawyer can help families understand their legal options and investigate these tragic incidents.

Unfortunately, due to the cozy relationship between regulators and cruise ship industry officials, those in charge on the high seas will cover up issues 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, often until it's too late and serious incidents occur. These cover-ups can contribute to various types of cruise ship injuries that might have otherwise been prevented with proper oversight and transparency.

How Cruise Lines Have Historically Handled Disappearances

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 is to keep booking cruises, not to ensure the safety of their passengers. In such tragic cases, a cruise ship missing persons lawyer can help families navigate the legal complexities and hold cruise lines accountable for their failure to act responsibly.

New Laws Offer Hope for Missing Cruise Ship Passenger Cases

Fortunately, in 2011, President Obama signed the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, requiring that ships report all disappearances and all crimes committed against U.S. citizens to the FBI and the Coast Guard in a timely manner. Hopefully, this law will set the tone throughout the industry moving forward, encouraging responsible parties to take such matters more seriously so that search efforts can be launched immediately and the location of a missing person can, hopefully, be determined. In cases where cruise lines fail to act appropriately, a cruise ship missing persons lawyer can help families demand accountability and initiate legal action.

So, why is it so important for the cruise industry to give consumers a false sense of security? Naturally, the answer lies in profit margins. In order to promote their business and maintain a squeaky-clean reputation, cruise lines must paint a picture of safety on board. However, frequent reports by news media regarding dozens of individuals who have gone missing over the years while enjoying a cruise vacation highlight the real dangers on the high seas. According to the Cruise Victims Association, nearly 170 people have gone missing at sea since 1995.

Cruise Ship Lawyers for Missing Persons Cases

Maritime personal injury attorneys at Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. 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 use our secure online form today for an appointment. Gerson & Schwartz, PA will fight for your rights on the high seas.