Georgia and California Residents Sue NCL After Tender Boat Collision Near Great Stirrup Cay During Norwegian Gem Cruise
Three passengers, Kanika Avery and Kilolo Boyd of Georgia along with Claudette Wells of California, have filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20806-WPD, alleges that the plaintiffs sustained significant physical injuries when a tender boat repeatedly struck the hull of the Norwegian Gem during a botched embarkation process. The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $75,000 for each plaintiff, citing negligence and a failure to exercise reasonable care under general maritime law.
Norwegian Gem Passengers Injured During Ship to Shore Transfer After Tender Boat Repeatedly Strikes Cruise Ship
The incident occurred on June 25, 2025, while the Norwegian Gem was positioned near Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. According to the court filing, the three plaintiffs were fare-paying passengers scheduled for a shore excursion. NCL employees directed the passengers to board a smaller tender vessel, identified as GSC3, to facilitate the transfer from the cruise ship to the island. While the plaintiffs were seated and the tender attempted to separate from the Norwegian Gem, the tender pilot allegedly operated the vessel in a negligent manner. This resulted in the tender boat striking the side of the much larger cruise ship multiple times with enough force to cause damage to the vessels and violently throw passengers from their seats.
NCL Accused of Negligent Tender Operation and Failure to Account for Rough Sea Conditions in the Bahamas
The lawsuit centers on allegations that the cruise line and its crew failed to properly supervise the embarkation process. The plaintiffs contend that the pilot of the tender vessel failed to appreciate the prevailing sea conditions at the time of departure, which led to an inability to safely steer the craft away from the Norwegian Gem. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that the crew of the Norwegian Gem should have recognized that the rough seas created an unsafe environment for passenger transfers. Despite these conditions, the cruise line allegedly failed to warn the passengers of the potential dangers or alert them to the risks of departing the main vessel during inclement weather. The legal team for the plaintiffs argues that the tender was operated recklessly and without due regard for the safety of those on board.
Complaint Alleges Multiple Injuries and Lack of Warning During Dangerous Excursion Transfer on GSC3 Tender
As a direct result of the repeated impacts between the two vessels, each plaintiff claims to have suffered specific physical trauma. Kanika Avery alleges she was suddenly jolted from her seat, resulting in injuries to her neck and her upper and lower back. Kilolo Boyd describes an unexpected jolt that forced her to brace for a second impact, leading to similar neck and back injuries. Claudette Wells reports that the force of the collision caused her to hit her left knee against the interior of the tender. The complaint asserts that NCL breached its non-delegable duty to use reasonable care for the safety of its passengers and failed to provide a safe method of transport for the scheduled excursion.
Plaintiffs Seek Compensation for Permanent Injuries and Medical Expenses Following Norwegian Gem Tender Accident
The lawsuit includes counts of negligence for each of the three plaintiffs, seeking judgment for all allowable damages, including costs and pre-judgment interest. Each woman claims that her injuries have resulted in significant pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the need for past and future medical treatment. The complaint further states that the plaintiffs have suffered a loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life and the aggravation of previously existing conditions. Beyond physical and emotional damages, the plaintiffs are seeking to recover the lost value of their cruise and other incidental expenses incurred because of the accident. The legal filing maintains that these losses are permanent or continuing in nature and will impact the plaintiffs’ lives well into the future.
Contact a Cruise Ship Tender Accident Lawyer Today if You Were Injured During a Ship to Shore Transfer
Cruise passengers who are injured during tender boat operations or shore excursions may be entitled to compensation under maritime law if the cruise line failed to provide a reasonably safe environment. Ship-to-shore transfers require high levels of coordination and constant monitoring of weather and sea conditions to prevent collisions and passenger falls. If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a tender boat accident, negligent vessel operation, or a failure to warn of dangerous sea conditions, our team of experienced maritime attorneys is ready to assist you in understanding your rights and pursuing a claim.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney.
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.
