Capsized Cruise Liner Could be Worst in Maritime History

Last Friday, when a popular cruise liner's ship ran aground and capsized, the lives of over 4,000 passengers and crew members immediately were put in jeopardy. According to reports, the captain of the ship diverted the vessel onto a route not authorized by the company and ran the vessel aground into large rocks off the coast of Italy. The chairman and CEO of the vessel's owner both reported that human error is to blame in this incident because the captain went off-route. Most of the passengers and crew members were safely taken to land and placed into schools, hotels, and other types of shelter. As rescue crews continuously searched through the partially sunken vessel this weekend, the death toll to six, with sixteen passengers still missing. Reports note that this may be the worst maritime accident in history, possibly costing up to $1 billion in damages.

There has been hope, though, for those missing passengers. A couple on their honeymoon and a crew member were all found many hours after the incident happened, without life threatening injuries. Three days after the boat accident has occurred, though, the hope for survivors of these missing passengers continues to decrease. Of the missing passengers, two are American. According to reports, the captain, who reportedly fled the scene of the shipwreck shortly after running his boat aground, has allegedly been arrested and detained in Italy. Prosecutors are investigating the captain of the cruise liner for manslaughter, causing a shipwreck, and abandoning ship, says reports. The decision will come tomorrow whether the captain will remain in jail and be charged with these accusations.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a maritime accident caused by the negligence of another person, immediately speak to a personal injury attorney. You have rights to seek financial compensation for the injuries and damages that have been caused to you and your family. To learn more about your rights and the options you have, contact a Raleigh personal injury attorney from the Whitley Law Firm today.