|
Princess Cruise Lines Sued for Moments of Terror on Crown Princess —
One Year Later Traumatized Passengers Still Waiting to Learn What Happened.
July 19, 2007
Los Angeles — Terrified travelers on the Crown Princess cruise ship suffered broken bones and post-traumatic stress syndrome when their dream vacation turned nightmarish one year ago. Without warning and eleven miles at sea off the coast of Florida, the Crown Princess suddenly listed dramatically. For minutes, passengers did not know if they were going to capsize. Still, one year later there is no conclusion about what happened.
This week, on the anniversary of the episode, thirty-one passengers filed suit in a Los Angeles court claiming physical and psychological injuries. Travelers were in fear for their lives as the ship listed anywhere from 15 to 30 degrees emptying swimming pools and tossing people and furniture around the decks. Those in cabins saw water rising up over their windows while on the other side people looking out saw nothing but sky.
"Where is the accountability here," questioned Gretchen Nelson a partner in the transportation law firm Kreindler & Kreindler, who brought the lawsuit on behalf of Crown Princess customers. "Until investigators report what happened, how can anyone be confident a similar event won't happen again?"
The Crown Princess was launched in June 2006 with much fanfare, christened by the celebrity Martha Stewart and heading out on her fourth voyage in July 2006. The ship was fitted with a new computerized ballast control. Further, the crew of the ship appears to have been unfamiliar with the proper handling of the steering system. "Testing and practice of such vital controls should not be done during a cruise with passengers on board, obviously." Ms. Nelson said. "These contributing factors must be analyzed and remedied."
About Kreindler & Kreindler LLP
Founded in 1950, Kreindler & Kreindler LLP, with offices in New York, Los Angeles and Boston, is nationally recognized for its practice of aviation and transportation law.
For more information or to speak about the about the Princess Cruise Line law suits Andreoli SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1v. Princess Cruise Lines, Ms. Nelson can be reached in Los Angeles at 213 622-6469 (direct) or 213-910-3271 (mobile). Kreindler & Kreindler partner Daniel O. Rose can be reached at 917 941-5259 (mobile).
Kreindler & Kreindler LLP, Tradition of Excellence, New York, New Jersey, Boston, Los Angeles.
|
