California Woman Sues Oceania Cruises After Fall on Unstable Tender Off Alaska Coast
Barbara Gilmore, a resident of California, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Oceania Cruises S. de R.L. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24084-JEM, alleges that Gilmore suffered serious and permanent injuries after being violently thrown inside a tender vessel while disembarking from the Oceania Regatta off the coast of Alaska on September 17, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Allegedly Injured on Tender Boat with No Handrails, Safety Warnings, or Seating Instructions
According to the complaint, Gilmore was a paying passenger on the Oceania Regatta when it anchored near a scheduled port in Alaska. Passengers were required to board a tender vessel operated by Oceania to reach the shore. Gilmore alleges that the tender was unstable and lacked essential safety features, including handrails and grab bars. The only available support while walking was the back of the seats, many of which were already occupied.
Gilmore states she was not given any instructions about where to sit or how to safely navigate the vessel. As she attempted to find a seat farther from the entrance, the tender suddenly and violently lurched due to rough sea conditions. Without anything secure to hold onto, she was allegedly thrown into a metal pillar, then onto the floor, where she slid across the vessel.
Oceania Cruises Accused of Failing to Warn About Tender Hazards and Rough Sea Conditions
The lawsuit alleges that Oceania Cruises failed to warn passengers of the risks associated with boarding a tender in unstable sea conditions. The complaint states that Oceania did not inform passengers about the absence of stabilizing features on the vessel, did not issue verbal instructions about seating protocols, and failed to alert guests about anticipated rough waters.
Gilmore claims that Oceania had both actual and constructive knowledge of the dangers based on its control of the tender and its access to real-time weather and sea condition data. The cruise line allegedly failed to act on that information and continued tender operations despite the risks.
The complaint also argues that Oceania had experienced similar incidents in the past but failed to correct safety deficiencies in its tender operations. Gilmore asserts that the crew did not provide adequate supervision, assistance, or warnings to passengers boarding the tender under rough conditions.
Lawsuit Cites Inadequate Tender Design, Crew Negligence, and Lack of Policies to Protect Cruise Guests
In addition to failure to warn, Gilmore’s lawsuit includes a claim for general negligence. The complaint alleges Oceania allowed passengers to board the tender during unreasonably rough sea conditions and failed to delay or cancel tender operations. The lawsuit also criticizes the company for not equipping the tender with safety devices such as handrails, grab bars, or stabilizing mechanisms.
Gilmore further contends that Oceania did not have or enforce adequate policies regarding safe boarding procedures, weather monitoring, seating management, or communication with passengers. According to the complaint, Oceania’s failure to provide enough trained crew members to guide passengers and monitor safety directly contributed to the incident.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Ongoing Medical Costs, and Lost Enjoyment of Cruise
As a result of the fall, Gilmore alleges she sustained severe and lasting injuries to her elbow and spine that have required and will continue to require extensive medical treatment. She seeks damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, and diminished quality of life.
Gilmore also claims loss of enjoyment of her vacation and the value of the cruise and transportation. Her injuries are described as permanent and continuing, with impacts on her future health and ability to work.
Contact a Cruise Tender Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt During Shore Transfers on Unstable Vessels
Passengers injured while boarding or riding cruise line tenders in rough seas or under unsafe conditions may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like Oceania are responsible for ensuring that tenders are properly equipped, operated under safe conditions, and adequately staffed to assist and protect passengers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a tender accident during a cruise, our legal team can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship tender injury attorney.
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California woman sues Oceania Cruises after falling on a tender off the Alaska coast due to rough seas and lack of handrails or warnings.
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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.
