Holland America Line Cruise Ship Passenger Injuries While Boarding Tenders

Cruise ships are known for their luxurious accommodations, vast range of amenities, and exciting ports of call. However, the experience is not without its risks, one of which is the boarding and disembarking process when a cruise ship is anchored off the coast and the destination is reached via smaller boats, known as tenders.

Cruise ship tenders are small boats used to transport passengers from the ship to the shore when the port is not deep enough to accommodate the larger vessel. Despite the routine nature of this process, it is increasingly being recognized as a potential danger zone for passenger injuries.

Common Injuries while Boarding Tenders

Injuries sustained while boarding or disembarking tenders can vary in severity from minor bruises or sprains to more serious incidents such as fractures, head injuries, or even drowning. The most common reasons for these injuries include:

1. Slips and Falls: The most common type of injury, often caused by wet or uneven surfaces on the tender or the platform where passengers step off from the ship.
2. Movement of the Boat: Tenders can bob or shift due to the sea’s movement, causing passengers to lose their balance, especially when stepping on or off the boat.
3. Overcrowding: Tenders have a maximum capacity for safety reasons. Overcrowding can lead to passengers jostling against each other, potentially leading to injuries.
4. Improper Training of Staff: Crew members may not be adequately trained to assist passengers, especially the elderly or those with mobility issues, leading to accidents.
5. Lack of Safety Measures: This includes absence of handrails, non-skid surfaces, or inadequate lighting.

Can I Recover Damages for Injuries on a Cruise Ship?

The legal implications of injuries sustained while boarding or disembarking tenders can be complex. If it can be shown that the cruise line or its employees were negligent in their duty to ensure passenger safety, there may be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. In a personal injury lawsuit, damages may be recovered for past and future pain and suffering, loss of income, medical expenses, and other damages caused by the incident.

Preventive Measures

Cruise lines, aware of the risks associated with tender usage, should take measures to prevent such incidents. These include:

1. Staff Training: Regular and thorough training of staff to handle emergencies, assist passengers while boarding or disembarking, and respond appropriately to changing weather conditions.
2. Passenger Briefings: Providing passengers with safety instructions prior to boarding the tender, emphasizing the need for caution.
3. Safety Equipment: Ensuring tenders are equipped with non-slip surfaces, handrails, life jackets, and other safety equipment.
4. Maintenance: Regular maintenance and inspection of tenders to ensure they are safe and fit for use.
5. Weather Monitoring: Keeping a close eye on weather conditions, and if necessary, cancelling tender operations if conditions are deemed unsafe.

Free Legal Consultation.

If you or a loved one has been injured while boarding a tender on a cruise ship vacation, contact one of our experienced cruise ship injury lawyers today for a free consultation.