COSTA CONCORDIA Tragedy Prompts Cruise Industry to Adopt New Safety Policies

On Jan. 13, the COSTA CONCORDIA capsized off the coast of Italy after striking a reef, claiming the lives of 32 people, including an elderly couple from Minnesota. In the wake of this tragic cruise ship accident, the cruise industry has been reviewing its safety policies with the hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future.

In January, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) launched an operational safety review, and earlier this month, it appointed a four-person expert panel to evaluate the recommendations that have so far emerged from the review process. Most recently, the CLIA and European Cruise Council jointly announced three policy changes intended to improve cruise ship safety. Announced last Tuesday, these changes include:

• All ships will be required to have more life jackets aboard than people
• Access to the bridge will be limited during periods of restricted maneuvering or whenever increased vigilance is required so as to minimize distractions
• Cruise routes will be planned in advance and will be communicated to all bridge team members before setting sail

When cruise passengers are injured in minor onboard accidents or in a cruise ship disaster like the COSTA CONCORDIA sinking, the passenger ticket governs when and where claims must be filed. It is important for cruise accident victims to contact a qualified maritime attorney who knows the process for filing personal injury and wrongful death claims and has experience holding the cruise lines accountable for failing to keep passengers safe.

Were you injured in a cruise ship accident? Did you lose a loved one in the COSTA CONCORDIA disaster? Contact a Boston maritime attorney today to learn about your legal rights.

Latti & Anderson LLP –Boston maritime trial lawyers