Virginia Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Waterslide Accident on Utopia of the Seas
Marco Torrey, a Virginia resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., doing business as Royal Caribbean Group, in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23246-BB, alleges that Torrey suffered serious injuries while using the “Supercell” waterslide aboard the Utopia of the Seas on August 3, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Supercell Waterslide Due to Excessive Speed and Unsafe Design
According to the complaint, Torrey was following all posted rules and entered the Supercell slide feet-first, as required. However, upon reaching the bowl-shaped funnel section, the slide’s steep design and high water flow allegedly caused his body to rotate uncontrollably, propelling him head-first. Torrey struck his elbow and back against the interior of the slide, resulting in painful and lasting injuries. The lawsuit claims that the dangerous speed and lack of rider control were not open or obvious hazards, and that Torrey could not have anticipated such risks when participating in the activity.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Address Known Waterslide Hazards
The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangers posed by the Supercell slide. Torrey’s legal team cites multiple prior lawsuits involving waterslide injuries across Royal Caribbean’s fleet, including Wachel v. Royal Caribbean Group, Stevens v. Royal Caribbean Group, Richleigh v. Royal Caribbean Group, Rosado v. Royal Caribbean Group, and Petersen v. Royal Caribbean Group. These previous incidents allegedly demonstrate that Royal Caribbean knew, or should have known, that passengers could lose control due to excessive speed on similar attractions. Despite these warnings, the cruise line did not modify the slide’s design, implement effective safety measures, or warn passengers about the risks.
Complaint Highlights Unsafe Waterslide Design, Lack of Warnings, and Inadequate Maintenance
Torrey’s lawsuit alleges negligent design of the Supercell slide, claiming that its configuration fails to keep riders safely in a feet-first position and lacks adequate safety features such as water flow controls or containment measures to prevent injury. He also accuses Royal Caribbean of failing to post proper warnings about the dangers of losing orientation mid-slide, as well as failing to maintain the attraction to prevent unsafe water pressure and landing conditions. Notably, the complaint references public videos of social media influencer Alex Ojeda describing the Supercell as the “world’s fastest cruise ship bowl water slide,” suggesting that the cruise line was aware of the attraction’s high-speed nature but did not take corrective action.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Bills, and Lost Vacation Value
Torrey brings four counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean: negligent design, negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. He alleges that the cruise line breached its duty to provide reasonably safe recreational activities aboard its vessel. The lawsuit claims Torrey suffered permanent physical injuries, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and financial losses due to medical treatment and lost earning capacity. He also seeks compensation for the lost value of his vacation and associated travel expenses, which were allegedly ruined as a result of the accident.
Contact a Cruise Ship Waterslide Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt on a Cruise
Cruise ship waterslide accidents, particularly those caused by high speeds, improper design, or lack of warnings, can result in serious injuries. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are legally obligated to ensure that onboard attractions are properly designed, maintained, and supervised to prevent foreseeable harm to passengers. If you or a loved one were injured on a cruise ship waterslide or similar recreational activity, contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys today to discuss your legal rights.
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