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California Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Tender Transfer Injury While Re-Boarding Carnival Firenze in Cabo San Lucas
Marcie Reeves, a resident of California, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24254-DPG, stems from an incident aboard the Carnival Firenze during a scheduled stop in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Reeves claims she suffered serious injuries while attempting to transfer from a tender vessel back to the cruise ship via gangway on November 11, 2024.
Passenger Injured During Tender-to-Ship Transfer After Tender Drifted and Crew Used Excessive Force
According to the complaint, passengers returning to the Carnival Firenze from shore were required to board the vessel using a gangway connected to a moving tender boat. Reeves alleges that the tender was improperly secured and had drifted away from the cruise ship during the re-boarding process. As she attempted to step from the tender onto the gangway, a Carnival crew member allegedly pulled her with excessive force, causing her to fall and suffer injuries to her toe, ankle, and knee.
The lawsuit claims the fall also led to neurological complications, and that only one crew member was present at the scene, despite the need for multiple staff to safely manage passenger transfers in unstable conditions.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Secure Tender Vessel and Train Crew for Safe Gangway Transfers in Cabo San Lucas
Reeves accuses Carnival of failing to provide a reasonably safe method for passengers to re-board the ship from tenders, particularly in ports like Cabo San Lucas where tendering is routine. The complaint outlines several alleged failures, including Carnival’s inability to:
- Secure the tender vessel close to the gangway
- Prevent the tender from drifting
- Properly assist passengers during transfer
- Provide adequate staffing to monitor and guide guests
- Prevent crew members from using unnecessary force
The complaint also claims Carnival was well aware of the risks associated with tender operations in Cabo San Lucas, citing at least six prior passenger injury incidents involving drifting tenders, unstable transfers, or inadequate assistance during boarding. Specific examples include the Lehmann v. Carnival Corp. case and incidents involving passengers Martha Castro, Alexandria Migneault, and Jerome Williams.
Lawsuit Cites Internal Carnival Safety Policies and Prior Tendering Injuries as Proof of Negligence
Reeves’ legal team references Carnival’s own internal safety records and protocols, including a policy labeled MAR-1481, which outlines procedures for safe tender operations. The complaint also cites internal safety meetings from 2021 where Carnival staff acknowledged that Cabo San Lucas presents dangerous sea conditions, such as frequent swells and unstable tender movement. According to the lawsuit, Carnival required its staff to halt tender operations during instability and to assist passengers one at a time.
Despite this knowledge, Carnival allegedly failed to follow its own procedures or to warn passengers of the danger. Reeves also points to a safety video played on every Carnival cruise that cautions about risks during tender transfers—evidence her attorneys say shows Carnival had actual knowledge of these hazards.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Ongoing Disability, Neurological Complications, and Disrupted Cruise Experience
Reeves brings four negligence-based claims against Carnival: general negligence, negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and vicarious liability for the actions of its employees and tender agents. She seeks compensation for physical injuries, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and medical expenses. Her injuries are described as permanent and continuing in nature, and the lawsuit also requests damages for the lost value of her cruise and related travel experiences.
Contact a Cruise Ship Tender Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt Boarding a Vessel at Port
Cruise lines are responsible for providing safe and stable transfers between tender boats and cruise ships, especially in ports where sea conditions are known to be unstable. If you or a loved one were injured during a tender boarding or disembarkation process, you may have a valid claim under maritime law. Our experienced team of cruise injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship tender injury lawyer.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.