Cruise Ships Collide After Moorings Break in Bermuda Storm

On September 14th, the Norwegian Star cruise ship reportedly broke its moorings and struck another ship while docked at Heritage Wharf in Bermuda. According to Bermuda's Transport Minister, Walter Roban, gale force winds caused the Norwegian Star to break free from two of its moorings and collide with the stern of Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Roban said employees on the Norwegian Star lowered two anchors, engaged the ship's bow thrusters, and made a radio call for assistance. A line boat and two tugboats were immediately called to the scene to assist the cruise ships. The Norwegian Star was reportedly secured approximately 45 minutes after the vessel broke free.

Roban stated the damage to the Explorer of the Seas was minimal. Additionally, Roban said divers were dispatched to inspect the hull and propulsion units of the Norwegian Star. The cruise ship reportedly sustained no damage. The storm that caused the incident reportedly intensified unexpectedly as it passed Bermuda. It caused 45 knot winds, widespread flooding, and delayed several flights to the island.

A Norwegian Cruise Lines spokesperson said no passenger injuries were reported as a result of the mishap. The vessel was docked in Bermuda as part of a seven-day cruise from a port in New York. The Norwegian Star allegedly departed Bermuda and headed back to the United States according to schedule. The Explorer of the Seas, however, was purportedly delayed by the incident.

If you were hurt while traveling as a passenger on a cruise ship, your claim is governed by a different set of laws than if your injury occurred on land. As a cruise ship passenger, you are also bound by the contract provisions included in your ticket. Common cruise ship injuries include slips or trips and falls due to uneven or slippery deck surfaces, injuries sustained while on a shore excursion, and food or environmental illnesses. Because the time during which you may file your cruise ship injury claim is normally limited to only one year, it is important that you contact an experienced attorney who understands the ins and outs of maritime law as soon as you are able.

If either you or a loved one were hurt while traveling or working on a cruise ship, contact Seattle Maritime Attorneys John Merriam and Gordon Webb. Our knowledgeable Bellevue cruise ship passenger injury attorneys have nearly 50 years of combined experience helping those who were hurt while traveling by sea achieve the compensation that their injuries merit. Mr. Merriam and Mr. Webb handle cruise ship passenger injury cases that originated throughout the world including the Caribbean Sea, The Gulf of Mexico, the Bering Sea, and the Gulf of Alaska. To speak with a skilled maritime law lawyer today, please do not hesitate to call attorneys John Merriam and Gordon Webb toll free at 877.800.1007, or contact us through the law firm's website.

Additional Resources:

Transport Minister On Norwegian Star Incident, Bernews

Cruise ship damaged as lines snap during gale force winds, by Simon Jones, Bermuda Sun