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Just How Hard is it to Fall Off a Cruise Ship?
In the past two weeks, three people have gone overboard on cruise ships -- a drunk 35-year-old off the Florida coast, and a couple 20-somethings who've asked for the circumstances of their tumble to be kept secret. So what gives? Are you actually at risk of going overboard when on a cruise?
Carolyn Spencer Brown of CruiseCritic.com says: "It is so hard to fall overboard that when someone does go over the side, it's either because, sadly, it's a suicide attempt or it's because they're being incredibly foolish."
Douglas Ward, author of 'Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships,' suspects "that drink is usually involved in these kind of circumstances."
Douglas Stallings, editor of 'Fodor's Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises,' agrees, saying: "Many of these incidents involve excessive use of alcohol."
So no, you're not at risk, unless you've been getting hammered.
But not so fast. Even though statistics provided to Congress by cruise lines show that less than one in one million passengers went missing over a three-year period, organizations like International Cruise Victims still exist. These critics say that cruises are dangerous, and that -- especially when foul play is involved -- the cruise lines don't thoroughly investigate. Additionally, a recent Congressional hearing found that crime reporting on cruise ships is inconsistent.
However, in spite of these high profile incidents, chances are that Douglas Stallings is right, and "cruise ships are considerably safer than any other place you're likely to vacation."
Filed under: Paddling
Reader Comments (Page 3 of 4)
Jack Donovan Apr 4th 2007 6:05AM
At 6'4, there is no way I could fall off a cruise ship, and I'm in the Navy! Those who have fell should be legally and financially liable for their actions, not to mention banned from all cruise liners for life. I agree with Judy, though...I am more afraid of getting food poisoning...unless she meant being sea sick or both.
Hub Apr 4th 2007 6:14AM
Reading these comments just confirms my rationale for not taking cruises. Spending a week or so in a confined space with a crowd of drunks and inconsiderate (eg. public sex) people is not my idea of a good time. Sounds like people falling off of balconies is natural selection working at its best.
Craig Apr 25th 2007 4:54PM
I have been on many cruises-tall ships, schooners, sea-going ferries and the modern cruise ships. There are many instances where it is not that incredibly hard to go overboard-but one must take the initiative to do it. Therein lies the problem also. I was recently treated by the VA for PTSD. The meds given to me made me feel very uncomfortable next to the railings on the ship-I am an old paratrooper and used to delight in jumping. I had tremendous urges whenever I was near the railing to climb over-not to commit suicide, but just to be in free-fall. I am off those meds and just came back from another nice cruise with no problems-but the moral of the story is to check the side effects of your meds.
One other note-there were 2 50 year old guys trying to buy drinks for very underage girls to lure them to their cabins. I can only say that I would understand why an enraged father might reduce the passenger cruise list by encouraging the perps to swim home, rather than endure jail time and abandonment by friends and families. And as one security guard told me "there is a reason some don't make it back".
sarah Apr 15th 2007 1:31PM
I have been on cruises before and I am going on another on very soon for three weeks. I agree with Suzy that I could see someone falling overboard. First of all the last cruise I was on we went to Ireland, Scotland and Wales and it got very windy on the upper pool decks. It was so windy we couldn't even get the door closed without my husbands help. There was a jacuzzi and pool right at the edge of our ship and I felt like I was going to blow right off the ship. I only weigh 98 lbs. The kids weigh even less. Or how about if a couple of guys got in a pushing fight on the balconey, or the kids push each other, or a guy pushes his girlfriend. Whatever the circumstances, if you are pushed you could fall over if you hit the balconey and the balconeys are not that high. Four feet is not high. I am always nervous of going over the balconey on a cruise. I am surprised more of it doesn't happen. How about that guy on his honeymoon who was never found, George? I am sure he was thrown over the balconey.
Judy Apr 14th 2007 9:21PM
We have cruised seven times - Falling off is ridiculous - It just could not happen - You would have to climb - no matter where you are - on a deck - on your balconey - anywhere to "fall"! One day when with a friend I put one foor on the bottom rail while standing on the deck - just to rest my leg. It was less than a minute before I was approached by a member of the crew, who looked concerned, and asked me if I was OK. He then requested, politely, that I take my foot down. I apologized and left both feet on the deck from then on. We ALWAYS sail with RC!!!!
Vivi Apr 14th 2007 9:32PM
I never had sex on a railing, either on board a cruise ship or on land. I prefer a more comfortable spot (like a nice soft bed).
heidi mcdonald Apr 14th 2007 9:42PM
My understanding, from what I read in and artical the next, day it happened was that the girl was goofing off and took a running leap at the guy near the rail and jumped on him. She was high enough she went over with him being pulled in after her. It took rescuer 2 hours to find her having to silence everyone on the cruise and turn off the engines to listen for a cry for help. It took two hours to find her and another two to find him. Both were able to keep a float which was a mirical in and of it's self. Lucky for them that were they went in, the water temps were not as cold this time of year.
Berhow721 Apr 14th 2007 9:44PM
12" X 12" secured saftey nets that extend above the railing to the next deck would solve the "falling overboard" problem. And when you get food poisoning (which seems to be a epidemic no one wants to address) you can a least stick your head out into the deep blue and heave away, with the peace of mind that you won't end up as shark bait.
gunzNrosez Apr 14th 2007 10:21PM
I went on my first cruise last summer and it was to Alaska. For those of you worried about druken stupors running around and loud kids, I was a worrier too and I am only in my twenties (young twenties, I'm such an old person at heart when it comes to noise). We took a Holland line boat and it was awesome; nobody was bumping into me spilling their drinks (even when the ship rocked a bit) and I didn't have to endure smoke being blown into my face or loudness from room parties. So, don't let that hold you back, cruises are great, and you don't have to eat everything they give you to the person who says they are for people who gain 15lbs on vacation. I myself went to the gym room they had every morning (beautiful view) and there is a deck around the whole ship you can run along. It's just a matter of controling YOURSELF and if you can't, then I can see why you'd be worried about eating too much (haha!).
I personally stayed away from the railings as much as possible (when we got to the iceburgs I just had to get closer to get good pictures instead of the backs of heads) and it was fine.
So yeah, unless you like the thrill of standing outside during high winds and rocky seas, or want to get a better look at something by leaning over the rails, then it is a bit hard to fall over. We also had a balcony, loved it, used it, it was actually the place I felt safest to lean on, ha.
**Hic!** Apr 14th 2007 10:25PM
After drinking 24/7 for a few days, I'm sure it's simple to stumble overboard! **Hic!**
Andrea Apr 14th 2007 10:40PM
I honestly don't see how someone could fall overboard. The railings are tal enough that you'd have to stand up on them or something to actually fall over.
When I went on my cruise last year, we went through a tropical storm on our way back and with things falling off shelves and whatnot not one person went overboard or even came close to doing so. I was even on deck somewhat intoxicated during the event and never once came close to falling off...
David Apr 15th 2007 12:13PM
No cruise ship is foolproof - fools are too inventive! My guess of the couple that went overboard were inspired by 'Titanic' and were playing "I feel like the King of the World". Unless foul play is involved, falling overboard is simply evolution in action - you really have to try hard to fall over a four-foot barrier. Remember that stupidity is a capital offense, and these idiots were luck to receive a pardon.
BUMintheSUN421 Apr 14th 2007 11:15PM
People are stupid. They will always be stupid. People hurt and kill other people AND themselves simply because they are stupid. I'm crippled because somebody stupid DID something stupid to me. How many people out there have somehow been victimized by somebody stupid..??
WOULD GO AGAIN Apr 14th 2007 11:22PM
I went on one cruise. A two-year-old was toddling on the top deck (no fence) about 10 feet from the rail. I asked parents if they were concerned. They were not. I left that deck not to return...one wind and you could slip off.
My 70-year-old husband was directed to an outside restroom. He walked on a three-foot wide sidewalk with only a rope rail and the winds were strong. Very scary. We didn't return...one wind and you could slip off.
I went for a walk in the dark and got on a "catwalk" around the restaurants. There was again, just a rail. It was windy, and I walked fast to the next door, that led to a restaurant area with few people. I didn't return...one wind and I would have been overboard.
Now what is my message???? DON'T RETURN IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A SITUATION WHERE IT IS UNSAFE AND YOU ARE SCARED. COMMON SENSE PREVAILS.
Craig Apr 14th 2007 11:25PM
Really though, why are we so amazed by this!? People fall out of bed, down stairs, in bathtubs and over curbs pretty much on daily basis. What DOES surprise me is why we haven't killed ourselves off by now--heh,heh,heh...Now THAT'S what's amazing to me!!!
Cole Wiggins Apr 15th 2007 8:08PM
I spent three on Navy ships and during the last three years took three cruises. While the cruise ships offer considerable more comfort, safety is not their main concern. I am surprised more people are not lost as a result of falling over the railings that provide no cat walks or other safety measures. When the only thing separating you from open sea is a rail,buddy you are in danger, even if you are sober.
John O Apr 14th 2007 11:56PM
Some of you have no idea how far thew cruise lines go for your safety, even that of drunks and fools. I have a relative that is the Hotel Manager on a high profile line on one of thier best ships. For the uninitiated, the Hotel Manager is more or lrss second in command on the ship and is responsible for the comfort and safety of the guests and can fire all but the captains crew.
I have seen him and his staff cut people off and even kick people off the ship at foriegn ports for prewarned conduct violations. As for the person with the $2,000 bar bill, that should have been stoped.
Cruises are the safest and most enjoyable travel.
zoe Apr 15th 2007 10:33AM
Stupid is...as stupid does.
El Jefe Apr 15th 2007 12:20AM
Regarding the 20-somethings who went over the rail as a set, it was widely reported that when they were rescued, the man was nude. You connect the dots...
However, intoxicated, reckless or not, this is a very serious matter. This sort of mishap could easily be fatal, even for a strong swimmer. When alcohol is involved, it is in the best legal interst of the cruise line to pick up the passenger and not seek damages, since the passenger could always countersue that a), the cruise line didn't cut him off, and b), they didn't do enough to protect him once he was obviously trashed. This isn't like drunk driving where the law specifically says that you can't claim diminished capacity due to the impairment of the alcohol.
Andy-jaya Apr 15th 2007 12:39AM
I went on a cruise to Alaska during September, 1999.
I am telling everyone that the only way you are going over the rail of a cruise ship is if you jump over, are thrown over or are leaning FAR over the rail doing something dumb.
It is unfathomable that anyone could fall over a railing that tall and guarded by accident!