Carnival Incident Draws Attention to Lack of Cruise Ship Regulations

[Jason]

Now that the nightmare cruise aboard the crippled Carnival ship Triumph is over and the ship has been towed into port in Alabama potential passengers are learning they may be out of luck if they want to seek information.

No regulating authority reviews whether cruise ships are up to date on mechanical requirements.

That lack of regulations has alarmed vacationers after thousands of passengers were left stranded abroad the Carnival ship Triumph this week.

Ships are akin to independent cities floating at sea.

In United States waters, the Coast Guard is usually in charge to investigate incidents with cruise ships.

The Carnival ship was disabled and set adrift without power after an engine fire last Sunday (Feb. 10). It took five days for the ship to make shore after it had lost power.

Over the five-day period, the thousands of passengers on board suffered dismal conditions that many equated with being on board a floating toilet.

The first lawsuit has been filed against Carnival Corporation regarding the incident.

Bahamian maritime officials are the lead investigators since the ship is registered in Nassau.

Specifically, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire, crew response, engine maintenance, and safety procedures on board the ship.

Carnival has announced the release of refunds as well as credit for passengers to use on future cruises.

Despite those gestures, many expect more lawsuits to be filed against the Carnival line by passengers who endured unpleasant and unsanitary conditions during the ships at-sea emergency.

By KTLA 5 Web Staff

Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more

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