Common boating and cruise ship accidents and causes
Cruise ships harbor a dizzying array of potential hazards. Common risks include:
- Slip/Trip and Falls – Due to ship maneuvers, slippery surfaces, uneven decks, and other unsafe conditions.
- Swimming pool accidents, water slide mishaps or wave pool injuries – Accidents caused by inadequate supervision, negligent design or overly slick surfaces and ladders.
- Illnesses – Arise from contaminated food, foodborne pathogens or unsanitary conditions.
- Injuries sustained during off-ship cruise line approved trips – Including sailing, diving, scuba diving, parasailing, boating injuries and other accidents.
- Injuries sustained onboard during cruise ship recreational activities – Can be serious, including the over-service of alcohol leading to accidents due to inebriated crew or passengers.
- Dock accidents and tender boat accidents – Ferrying passengers to and from the ship and port of call can result in accidents.
- Navigational errors – Resulting in collisions, capsizing and other shipwrecks.
- Physical assault/sexual assault – This can occur with passengers or crew members due to poor lighting, lax security or unauthorized cabin access.
- Medical negligence/medical malpractice
- Falling overboard
- Onboard fires and catastrophic events
- Cruise ship passenger disappearance
Though not quite as far reaching in their potential for injury, boating accidents are extremely common. The U.S. Coast Guard reported 610 deaths and 2,678 injuries resulting from 4,064 accidents in 2014. Some common accidents and causes included the following:
- Boat Collisions
- Swamping/Flooding
- Grounding
- Water Ski accident
- Drowning
- Insufficient safety training
- Boat operator negligence, including inexperience, inattention, inebriation, and improper lookout
- Speeding
- Machine Failure
- Violation of Navigation rules
- Hazardous Water/Weather
- Strong waves/wake