What Happens If Someone Dies on a Cruise?

Navigating the Unthinkable: Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. Guides You Through Maritime Tragedy

Since its inception in 1971, Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. has established itself as an invaluable resource for those facing a maritime tragedy. With a formidable presence that includes seven office locations across the United States and a team of 16 dedicated maritime and cruise ship accident attorneys, our firm stands as a pillar of expertise and compassion in the legal community. Our attorneys, collectively boasting over 250 years of legal experience, have been instrumental in securing over $450 million in recoveries for our clients throughout our 50-plus years of service.

Our firm’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the accolades awarded to us, including the prestigious recognition of four of our maritime attorneys in “Best Lawyers” ®, with one earning the title of “Lawyer of the Year” ® in Admiralty and Maritime (Miami). Furthermore, Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. has been consistently named as one of the “Best Law Firms” ® in America by US News & World Report since 2016. These honors underscore our unwavering dedication to securing justice for victims of maritime incidents, including the delicate and complex cases involving fatalities on cruise ships or any vessels at sea.

As seasoned veterans in the maritime legal arena, our firm has been featured on over 100 respected news programs worldwide, offering our expertise on maritime injury and cruise ship accident laws. Our founder, Charles Lipcon, is renowned for his groundbreaking work in landmark cruise ship accident claims that have reshaped maritime litigation in the United States. We understand the daunting prospect of confronting an international cruise line, and we are committed to guiding you through the claims process with the utmost care and professionalism.

In the tragic event of a death on a cruise ship, the path forward can be fraught with emotional and legal challenges. Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. is here to provide the support and legal acumen necessary to get through this challenging time. We stand ready to hold negligent parties accountable and fight for the rights and dignity of the deceased and their loved ones.

Continue reading to discover the depth of our cruise ship legal services and how we can assist you in securing the compensation you deserve in the wake of such a tragedy.

Immediate Response to a Cruise Ship Death

Cruises are often seen as the epitome of leisure and relaxation, a chance to escape the stresses of daily life and enjoy the open sea. However, amidst the backdrop of endless buffets, sun-soaked decks, and exotic ports of call, there lies a less talked-about reality: the possibility of death on a cruise ship. While it is a rare occurrence, the procedures and protocols in place for such an event are meticulously detailed, ensuring dignity and legal compliance.

When a passenger dies on a cruise ship, the priority is medical attention. The onboard medical team will attempt resuscitation if appropriate. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the ship’s captain and security officer are notified, and the death is pronounced. The body is then moved to the cruise ship morgue, which most modern cruise ships are equipped with, and a death certificate is prepared.

Legal Obligations and Documentation for Cruise Ship Deaths

On the average cruise ship, like Royal Caribbean or Carnival cruise line, deaths must be recorded in the ship’s log. As well, the flag state (the country where the ship is registered) must be notified, as they have jurisdiction over incidents that occur onboard. The ship’s staff will also contact the deceased’s next of kin and offer support, including assistance with arrangements for the repatriation of the body, which can be a complex process depending on the location of the ship at the time of death and the nationality of the deceased.

Investigation and Reporting Deaths on Cruise Ships

An investigation is conducted by the cruise line to determine the cause of death. This is a crucial step, as it may have legal implications, especially if foul play is suspected. Death investigations on cruise ships are typically led by the ship’s security personnel, in cooperation with local authorities at the next port of call or the flag state’s officials. The cruise line must also report the death to the FBI or other relevant law enforcement agencies if the ship is bound for or docked in a U.S. port, as per the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA).

Cultural and Ethical Considerations for Cruise Ship Passengers

Cruise lines are sensitive to cultural and religious practices surrounding death. They strive to accommodate the wishes of the family within the limitations of the ship’s facilities and international law. This could involve preserving the body for repatriation or, in some cases, conducting a burial at sea, which is subject to stringent environmental regulations and maritime traditions.

Practical Challenges for Crew Members When Handling a Cruise Ship Death

The repatriation of remains is a complex logistical challenge, often involving embassies, consular services, and international law. The cruise line typically assists the family with these arrangements, which may include embalming and transportation of the body back to the home country for burial. The costs associated with repatriation or burial at sea are usually the responsibility of the deceased’s estate or their travel insurance.

Psychological Impact on Cruise Passengers and Cruise Members

The death of a passenger can have a significant psychological impact on fellow travelers and crew. Cruise lines have protocols in place to provide counseling services to those affected. They also manage the dissemination of information to ensure privacy for the deceased’s family while maintaining transparency with other passengers.

Prevention and Preparedness for Cruise Ship Deaths

Cruise lines are proactive in preventing onboard deaths through rigorous health and safety standards, including pre-boarding health screenings and onboard medical facilities capable of handling a range of medical emergencies. They also train their staff extensively in emergency response protocols to ensure preparedness for the possibility of a death at sea.

Legal and Financial Aftermath of Cruise Ship Deaths

The aftermath of a death on a cruise ship can involve legal and financial considerations, such as the execution of the will, settlement of the estate, and potential litigation if negligence is alleged. This is most often where we come in. Every consultation with our law firm is absolutely free as we work exclusively on a contingency fee basis. Simply put, this means we do not get paid unless we are able to achieve a positive financial result for the case either way by way of settlement or verdict. During our initial consultation, we will give you the benefit of our advice and expertise and let you know if, in our opinion, there is a viable case to bring for the death of a loved one.

Advocates for Victims in Maritime Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

In the tragic event of deaths on cruise ships, know that you are not without recourse. Compensation may be within your reach, particularly if the event stemmed from a ship operator’s neglect in upholding adequate safety measures, both at sea and on land excursions. If you are mourning the loss of a family member due to such negligence, our maritime legal experts are here to assist you.

Our law firm has been named to “Best Law Firms” ® by US News & World Report since 2016, and we are proud that US News & World Report has named three of our attorneys as “Best Lawyers” ® in America. As leading litigation attorneys with extensive working knowledge of the Jones Act and other maritime laws, we are uniquely equipped for assisting those whose loved one unexpectedly passed away on a cruise ship. Reach out to us for a no-cost, private consultation, and we’ll help you link up with a seasoned personal injury attorney. Call us at 877–233–1238 to explore your legal avenues.