- Contact Us for a Free Consultation 305-668-6410
Canadian Passengers Sue MSC Cruises After Alleged Medical Mistreatment and Forced Disembarkation from MSC Seascape
Two Canadian cruise passengers, Cassy Wraith and Laura Jones, have filed a federal lawsuit against MSC Cruises and several of its executives in the Southern District of Florida. Filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24432-KMM, the lawsuit alleges a traumatic series of events aboard the MSC Seascape, including medical negligence, forced disembarkation in the Dominican Republic, and abandonment without support or accommodations. Plaintiffs seek damages exceeding $1.5 million.
Cruise Ship Doctor Allegedly Forced Passenger Off MSC Seascape Despite Stabilized Seizure Condition
According to the complaint, on September 30, 2024—two days into their Caribbean voyage—Plaintiff Cassy Wraith experienced an epileptic seizure inside her cabin. Her companion, Laura Jones, stabilized her and summoned medical assistance. After being transported to the onboard medical center, Wraith was examined and documented as stable by the ship’s physician, Dr. Ernest Mwale. The doctor reportedly wrote that Wraith was alert, oriented, walking independently, and in no acute distress.
Despite the medical report indicating stability and no acute need for shore-based treatment, the lawsuit alleges that MSC staff abruptly informed the plaintiffs they would be disembarked at the next port in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The decision was reportedly made without meaningful explanation or opportunity for appeal.
MSC Cruises Accused of Abandoning Passengers in Dominican Republic Without Support or Accommodations
The complaint states that Wraith and Jones were forced to leave the ship on short notice, denied time to gather all personal belongings, and removed from the vessel without passports being properly stamped or formal entry documentation. Once disembarked, the pair was transported by ambulance to a local hospital without any MSC staff accompaniment or translation assistance.
While at the hospital, Wraith was allegedly left in a hallway for hours, subjected to invasive procedures without consent, and pressured to remain in intensive care despite being stable. Meanwhile, Jones—who does not speak Spanish—was left to navigate the situation alone, facing language barriers and even harassment on the street while trying to find support. According to the lawsuit, MSC Cruises did not provide accommodations, coordinate care, or assist with reboarding options.
Lawsuit Alleges Unauthorized Credit Card Charges and Emotional Distress After Being Stranded Abroad
The plaintiffs claim that while they were stranded in the Dominican Republic, MSC continued to charge Wraith’s credit card for services they were no longer receiving, including internet and onboard amenities. These charges allegedly maxed out Wraith’s credit card, leaving them without emergency funds to cover food, lodging, or transportation. The financial strain also triggered a flag for suspected fraud, further compounding their hardship.
The lawsuit alleges that repeated attempts to contact MSC’s emergency support and customer service were met with deflection or silence. Plaintiffs assert that they were left to rely on an ex-boyfriend for translation and an independent fixer to secure exit documentation and basic necessities. The experience reportedly caused ongoing trauma, financial harm, and disruption to their post-cruise travel plans across Texas and California.
Complaint Asserts Eight Counts Including Medical Negligence, Abandonment, and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
Wraith and Jones assert eight causes of action against MSC Cruises and its affiliated executives:
- Medical negligence and vicarious liability for disembarking a stabilized patient without medical justification
- General negligence for failing to provide a safe and supported disembarkation
- Breach of contract for failing to deliver the full duration and scope of the cruise
- Unauthorized credit card charges made after disembarkation
- Intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress
- Abandonment of passengers in a foreign country
- Violation of maritime duties under 46 U.S.C. § 30527
The lawsuit names not only MSC Cruises USA and MSC Cruises S.A. but also several corporate executives, including Gianni Onorato, Pierfrancesco Vago, Alexa Aponte Vago, Gianluigi Aponte, and Richard Sasso, among others. Plaintiffs claim these individuals exercised operational and managerial control and should be held liable under theories of alter ego liability.
Plaintiffs Seek Over $1.5 Million in Damages Plus Injunctive Relief Against MSC Cruises
The complaint requests:
- Over $900,000 in compensatory damages for mental anguish, financial loss, and diminished cruise value
- At least $15,000 for unauthorized credit card charges
- $25,000 for distress caused by reliance on an ex-partner for translation
- $1.5 million in punitive damages
- Court-ordered changes to MSC policies related to emergency disembarkation and medical care
The plaintiffs also seek attorney’s fees, interest, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Cruise Passengers Entitled to Legal Protections After Forced Disembarkation or Abandonment
Cruise lines have a legal obligation to provide reasonable care and support when handling medical issues onboard. Maritime law prohibits the abandonment of passengers in foreign countries without proper arrangements for their safety, reboarding, and communication. If you or someone you know was forced off a cruise ship under questionable circumstances or denied emergency assistance, you may have legal rights under federal maritime law.
Contact our team today to speak with a cruise ship personal injury and passenger rights attorney. We are here to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiffs 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.