Fires on Cruise Ships Happening More Often in Florida
Many Floridians love traveling on cruise ships. With so many departing from Florida’s coastline, this form of travel is quite convenient and provides a great way to see the world. Once onboard and in the open ocean, fires may be the least of your worries. It is for this reason that so many people are shocked when they are injured by a fire onboard a cruise ship.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) conducted a study over ten years and during that time, there were 27 explosions or fires onboard cruise ships. Most of these accidents are preventable but they put thousands of crew members and passengers at risk of sustaining serious injuries. Below, our Florida cruise ship accident lawyer explains more.
What Causes Explosions and Fires on Cruise Ships?
According to CLIA’s study, the top reasons for explosions and fires on cruise ships are as follows:
- Fires in engine rooms, which contain pumps, boilers, heat exchangers, compressors, and diesel generators,
- Fires and explosions from welding equipment, which occur while crew members are making repairs,
- Fires from generators,
- Explosions and fires in cruise ship smokestacks,
- Explosions while cleaning tanks, and
- Fires from faulty switchboards, which are the components of the electrical distribution system on ships.
The above causes do vary, but they all have one thing in common. These explosions and fires occur typically because cruise ship operators and companies fail to exercise reasonable care that protects passengers.
What Types of Injuries are Caused by Cruise Ship Fires and Explosions?
When passengers and crew members are exposed to the heat and flames of a fire or explosion, they are at serious risk of suffering serious burns. These range from first-degree burns, which are similar to sunburns, to serious third-degree burns, which burn multiple layers of skin and can cause damage to the tissue and muscle below. In addition to these injuries, there are others, as well. They include:
- Passengers may panic and flee the area, which can cause confusion and chaos. Passengers and crew members may become injured as they try to flee the area.
- Certain explosions may contain hazardous chemicals and materials.
- If a fire cuts the power on a cruise ship, crew members and passengers can become injured as they navigate their way out in the dark.
Even when there is a fire or explosion, cruise lines will often still try to complete the journey instead of stabilizing the situation and try to get passengers to safety. Considering the cost of refunding fares and transporting passengers back home, these decisions are typically made to allow the cruise ship to cut costs.
Our Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer in Florida Can Help After a Fire
Fires and explosions are becoming more common on cruise ships, but there are legal options if you have been hurt. At 888-BOAT-LAW, our Florida cruise ship accident lawyer can explain what those are and help you obtain the full settlement you deserve from the liable party. Call or text us now at 888-BOAT-LAW (888-262-8529) or chat with us online to request a free consultation and to learn more.
Source:
cruising.org/-/media/research-updates/report_operational_incidents_2019-v-1
