Tennessee Woman Files Maritime Lawsuit Against Carnival After Traumatic Catamaran Propeller Accident in Nassau
Hannah Smith, a resident of Tennessee, has filed a significant maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25952-WPD, alleges that Smith suffered catastrophic and life-altering injuries involving a catamaran propeller during a shore excursion in Nassau, Bahamas, on May 12, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Sustains Traumatic Amputations During Pearl Island Beach Escape Excursion
According to the legal filing, the incident took place during a Carnival-sponsored excursion titled Pearl Island Beach Escape with Lunch. After spending the day on Pearl Island, Smith and other passengers were transported back toward the cruise terminal via a motor catamaran ferry. The complaint alleges that upon arrival at the pier, the vessel’s captain failed to properly secure the boat with mooring lines and left the engines running with a propeller engaged in reverse to maintain position. Smith, who had been instructed by a crew member that she could relieve herself in the water via the vessel’s diver platform, entered the ocean while the catamaran was supposedly idling. As the captain engaged the engine, Smith was sucked under the vessel where the rotating propeller repeatedly slashed her lower extremities.
Carnival Accused of Negligence in Shore Excursion Vetting and Oversight of Bahamian Tour Operators
The lawsuit names Carnival Corporation alongside several excursion entities, including Pearl Investment Management Group and Sun Cay Ltd. The plaintiff alleges that Carnival breached its duty of reasonable care by failing to properly vet and monitor its “hand-selected” local providers. Smith’s legal team argues that the cruise line was or should have been on notice regarding the dangerous practices of the excursion operator. The complaint highlights numerous prior passenger complaints and internet reviews detailing disorganized disembarkation processes and dangerous ferry operations at this specific location. Despite these warnings, the lawsuit claims Carnival continued to market the excursion as a safe and reliable option for its passengers.
Complaint Alleges Grooming Process Involving Excessive Alcohol and Illegal Drugs by Excursion Staff
A significant portion of the complaint details a “grooming process” allegedly carried out by excursion employees on the island. The lawsuit claims that Smith and her companions were lured into a private, secluded cabana and provided with excessive amounts of complimentary high-proof alcohol and marijuana. Smith alleges that bartenders performed “liter pours,” where alcohol was poured directly from a bottle into her mouth, leading to a blood alcohol content more than four times the legal limit. The plaintiff argues that this intentional intoxication severely compromised her judgment and physical faculties, making it impossible for her to appreciate the dangers of the catamaran’s propeller when she later entered the water.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Catastrophic Physical Injuries and Permanent Loss of Earning Capacity
As a result of the propeller strike, Smith underwent multiple emergency surgeries, including the traumatic amputation of her left leg below the knee and a later hip disarticulation of her right leg due to non-viable tissue. The lawsuit states that she lost over 60 percent of her blood during the incident and suffered from hemorrhagic shock and multi-organ failure. Smith brings multiple counts of negligence against the defendants, including negligent failure to warn and negligent supervision. She seeks compensation for permanent disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, and extensive past and future medical expenses. The complaint emphasizes that the young woman’s life has been completely altered, requiring ongoing psychological treatment and prosthetic care.
Contact a Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Injury Lawyer if You Were Harmed During a Sanctioned Port Activity
Passengers who suffer injuries during shore excursions or while using transit vessels provided by cruise lines may have grounds for a maritime personal injury claim. Cruise operators have a legal responsibility to ensure that the excursions they promote and sell meet established safety standards. If you or a loved one has experienced a serious accident involving cruise ship transportation or excursion negligence, reaching out to an experienced attorney can help you understand the complexities of maritime law and your rights to recovery.
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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.
