New Jersey Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against MSC Cruises After Pastor Drowns at Ocean Cay Private Island
Jae Eun Choi Jin, acting as the personal representative for the estate of Reverend Paul C. Chang, and his widow, Sung Ja Chang, have filed a maritime wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against MSC Cruises, S.A. and MSC Cruises (USA) LLC. The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida under Case No. 0:26-cv-60404-WPD, alleges that Reverend Chang drowned due to unreasonably dangerous water conditions and inadequate safety protocols at the cruise line’s private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, on February 12, 2025.
MSC Cruises Accused of Negligence Following Drowning Incident in Artificial Lagoon at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
The lawsuit states that Reverend Chang and his wife were passengers aboard the M/V MSC Meraviglia during a seven-day round-trip cruise from Brooklyn, New York. During a port call at Ocean Cay in the Bahamas, the couple entered the water at a designated swimming area. According to the complaint, Reverend Chang was an active and athletic individual who regularly swam for exercise, yet he quickly became overwhelmed by powerful undercurrents and rip tides. The plaintiffs allege these hydrodynamic hazards were a direct result of the design and construction of the island’s artificial beaches and lagoons. Although MSC advertises the area as a protected lagoon and a safe family destination, the lawsuit claims the surface appeared deceptively calm while concealing life-threatening underwater currents that were not marked by flags or warning signs.
Complaint Alleges MSC Had Prior Knowledge of Dangerous Rip Tides and Inadequate Lifeguard Training
The legal filing asserts that MSC Cruises had actual and constructive notice of the treacherous conditions at Ocean Cay prior to this tragedy. The plaintiffs point to at least two previous drownings at the same location, including an incident involving Akeem Charles in August 2023 and the death of a 51-year-old man in March 2023. Additionally, the complaint references public warnings and social media reviews from other travelers who described the lagoon as having a very strong water current that made it unsafe for families. Despite these reported near-misses and fatalities, the lawsuit alleges that the cruise line failed to close the beach, modify the lagoon’s inlet to reduce current flow, or provide adequate signage. Furthermore, the plaintiffs claim the lifeguards stationed at the beach were not properly trained or equipped to handle drowning emergencies or conduct rescues in the specific hydrodynamic conditions present at the island.
Widow Claims Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress After Witnessing Husband Drown at Private Island
Sung Ja Chang, who was swimming alongside her husband at the time of the incident, is seeking damages for negligent infliction of emotional distress. The complaint describes how she was also caught in the same dangerous current and was barely able to escape to the shore. From the beach, she witnessed the delayed and chaotic rescue attempts by MSC personnel. The lawsuit alleges that when Reverend Chang was finally pulled from the water, the medical response was woefully inadequate, lacking a functioning automated external defibrillator and proper resuscitative techniques. Mrs. Chang reports suffering severe physical and psychological symptoms as a result of the trauma, including heart palpitations, vomiting, post-traumatic stress, and chronic insomnia.
Lawsuit Seeks Damages for Wrongful Death and Vicarious Liability Under General Maritime Law
The plaintiffs bring multiple counts against the cruise line, including wrongful death, negligent failure to warn, and vicarious liability for the actions of the island’s medical and lifeguard staff. The lawsuit argues that MSC breached its non-delegable duty to exercise reasonable care for the safety of its passengers by failing to maintain the premises in a safe condition. The family is seeking compensation for loss of financial support, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. By filing the action in the Southern District of Florida, the plaintiffs are adhering to the forum selection clause in the MSC passenger ticket contract, which requires all disputes related to the cruise to be litigated in this specific jurisdiction.
Contact a Cruise Ship Wrongful Death Lawyer Today if You Lost a Loved One Due to Unsafe Private Island Conditions
Families who have lost a loved one or suffered serious injuries due to negligence at a cruise line’s private island destination may be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators have a legal responsibility to ensure that swimming areas and island facilities are free from hidden hazards and that emergency personnel are fully trained to provide life-saving care. If you or a family member experienced a drowning or near-drowning incident at a location like Ocean Cay, it is essential to consult with an experienced maritime attorney to protect your rights. Our team is dedicated to helping victims of cruise line negligence navigate the complexities of federal maritime claims.
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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.
