MV Athena Cruise Ship injury

On the 10 September 2006 the MV Athena cruise liner embarked on a 24 day voyage taking in the Eastern Sea Ports of Canada and the United States of America. Leaving from Falmouth, Cornwall the cruise had been described by its package organiser Travelscope as being a unique cruise which has it all, however, after sailing through numerous tropical storms and after one passenger died and many others were injured, this cruise will inevitably be remembered by its passengers for all the wrong reasons.

The MV Athena left Falmouth with an itinerary which boasted 7 stops including Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Boston and New York. However, what the passengers had failed to be warned about was the likelihood of bad weather conditions across the Eastern sea band as a consequence of the tropical storms which were badly affecting this area.

On its departure from Falmouth at 6:00pm the MV Athena was scheduled to be at sea for 6 days as it aimed to reach St Johns in Newfoundland, on the 15 September 2006. Yet it was on the 12 September 2006, the third day on board the ship, when the nightmare began.

Whilst out in the middle of the Atlantic the cruise began to hit turbulent water as the tropical weather caused mass swells and waves which were reported as being over 9 metres in height. Despite the extreme weather passengers were not told to remain within their cabins until one passenger was died.

Dr Michael Bedford, aged 70, from Sark in the Channel Islands, was making his way back to his cabin when the ship violently pitched and he was thrown off balance and fell down a flight of stairs suffering a serious blow to the head which led to his unfortunate death. Dr Bedfords partner Ms Robson said Michael was a disciplinarian and would have stayed in his cabin if he was told to do so by the ships Captain. The entire series of events were extremely frightening and even after Michaels death the ships Captain failed to call on me do see how I was doing. My life has now come to a stand still and yet I still await an explanation from Travelscope.

Mr and Mrs Forshaw from the Wirral had booked the cruise to celebrate their Ruby Wedding Anniversary. Mrs Anne Forshaw said the cruise was not only a traumatic experience in light of the numerous injuries incurred onboard but it simply failed to meet the brochure description.

During the storms I feared for my life as the Cruise liner constantly tossed and rolled causing injuries to both travellers and staff whilst also damaging the boat throughout. In all, four of the seven scheduled ports were missed.

The end of the cruise came as a great relief to this endurance test. Far from feeling relaxed, carefree and refreshed we were exhausted, drained, frustrated and bitterly disappointed that we had spent almost 20 days out of 24 at sea.

Solicitor representing injury victims of MV Athena Cruise Ship

Specialist travel lawyer, Suki Chhokar of Irwin Mitchell said I represent passengers who have sustained injuries and who are still re living the events that took place and are waking up having had nightmares in addition to having to cope with their physical injuries.

Suki Chhokar, continued the incidents on board the MV Athena give reason for further serious concerns about health and safety procedures on board the ship. The number of incidents on board cruise liners over the last year really ds heighten concern about safety on board these vessels. For some time now we have been calling for improved safety checks and more rigorous measures need to be put in place to minimize the risk of accidents like this happening.

I would urge any passengers affected by this incident to seek expert legal advice before accepting any form of compensation as each case will need to be reviewed on a case by case basis.

If you or someone you know has been effected by the MV Athena Cruise Ship incident, our experts can help. Fill in our online claims form for free legal advice.