A recent tragedy onboard the Carnival Dream has raised renewed concerns about passenger safety on cruise ships. On July 23, 2025, 48-year-old Euvelester Villarreal Jr. of Rio Grande City was pronounced dead while aboard the ship, which had departed from Galveston, Texas. According to investigators from the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office, Villarreal showed no visible signs of trauma at the time of death, and the final cause remains pending toxicology and medical reports.
While Carnival Cruise Line has suggested the death appears to be from natural causes, the matter is now under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is standard protocol for any death occurring on a cruise ship. The FBI is coordinating with agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection. Given the unique jurisdictional challenges associated with maritime incidents, the investigation could take time and may ultimately highlight broader issues around safety, accountability, and legal rights at sea.
Because incidents on cruise ships are complex, it is important that families affected by injuries or illness speak with a skilled maritime attorney. At Kherkher Garcia, we have been helping families explore their rights and options for more than 30 years.
Cruise Ship Safety Incidents: A Growing Concern
Cruise ships are often marketed as safe, family-friendly getaways, but the reality can be quite different. Each year, dozens of serious incidents occur onboard cruise vessels, including deaths, disappearances, violent assaults, and medical emergencies. These cases often receive limited media attention but can have life-altering consequences for the individuals and families involved.
How Common Are Cruise Ship Deaths and Injuries?
According to data compiled by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and others, the following incidents are reported annually:
- Approximately 20-30 passenger deaths per year across major cruise lines.
- Dozens of disappearances, many of which remain unsolved.
- Hundreds of onboard medical emergencies.
- Multiple sexual assaults reported annually, most involving either passengers or crew members.
- Numerous slip-and-fall and drowning incidents, especially involving pools and spas.
While cruise lines are legally required to report certain types of incidents under U.S. law, many less-serious or non-reportable injuries may go untracked or uninvestigated making the true scope of risk difficult to determine.
What Laws Govern Cruise Ship Safety?
Because cruise ships operate in international waters and often fly foreign flags, legal jurisdiction is complex. However, several key laws aim to protect American passengers:
Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010
The CVSSA was passed to address gaps in cruise ship security following a series of high-profile crimes and disappearances at sea. Under this law, cruise lines must:
- Report certain crimes – including suspicious deaths, assaults, and sexual assaults – to the FBI
- Install video surveillance in key areas
- Maintain a trained medical staff and equipment
- Provide passengers with information on how to report crimes onboard
Jones Act and General Maritime Law
General maritime laws and the Jones Act govern passenger injury claims and crew member rights. Cruise lines may be held liable under maritime law if they fail to maintain a safe environment or provide adequate medical care.
Common Injuries and Incidents on Cruise Ships
While cruise vacations are often seen as relaxing and safe, cruise ships present a unique environment where injuries and emergencies are not uncommon. Between motion-related hazards, crowding, alcohol consumption, and limited onboard medical resources, passengers can face a range of risks.
Some of the most common injuries and incidents include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Slippery decks, wet staircases, and uneven flooring are leading causes of injury on cruise ships. These incidents can result in sprains, fractures, concussions, or even spinal cord injuries.
- Foodborne Illnesses and Norovirus Outbreaks: Cruises are notorious for outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses due to close quarters and shared dining areas. Poor food handling or contaminated water can also lead to food poisoning.
- Medical Emergencies and Delayed Care: Cruise ships typically have limited medical staff and equipment, which can delay critical treatment. Cardiac events, strokes, and diabetic complications can become fatal without timely intervention.
- Assault and Sexual Violence: Unfortunately, cruise ships have seen a rising number of reported sexual assaults, especially involving passengers under the influence or in isolated areas of the ship.
- Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Accidents: Drownings and near-drownings occur more frequently than many realize, particularly among children or intoxicated adults.
- Excursion-Related Injuries: Injuries during off-ship excursions—including vehicle accidents, snorkeling or diving incidents, and falls—are also common and may involve third-party tour operators.
- Falling Overboard: Though rare, passengers falling overboard typically results in death. Poor railing design, intoxication, or intentional acts are often contributing factors.
Even minor incidents on cruise ships can quickly escalate due to limited emergency response capabilities and delays in evacuation or treatment. That’s why it is crucial for cruise lines to prioritize safety, training, and emergency planning, and for passengers to know their rights when things go wrong.
Who Is Liable When an Incident Occurs?
Cruise lines have a duty of care to their passengers, meaning they must take reasonable steps to ensure safety. This includes:
- Hiring properly trained staff and medical professionals
- Maintaining clean, hazard-free common areas
- Monitoring for criminal activity among passengers and crew
- Responding appropriately in emergencies
If a cruise line fails in any of these duties, and a passenger suffers harm or death as a result, the company may be held legally liable. Other potentially liable parties include:
- Third-party contractors (security, cleaning crews, etc.)
- Medical personnel onboard or at ports
- Manufacturers of defective ship equipment or facilities
- Other passengers or crew members who engage in criminal conduct
When to Contact a Cruise Ship Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been harmed while on a cruise, contacting an experienced maritime injury attorney is essential. These cases are far more complex than typical personal injury claims due to the international nature of cruise operations and the cruise industry’s powerful legal teams.
You may need legal help if:
- A family member died under unclear or suspicious circumstances on a cruise.
- You were injured due to ship negligence (slip and fall, poor maintenance, medical error).
- You were the victim of assault, theft, or another crime on board.
- The cruise line refuses to provide you with adequate information or compensation.
How Kherkher Garcia Can Help
At Kherkher Garcia, we understand the trauma families experience when something goes wrong on a cruise vacation. Our legal team has vast experience handling maritime law cases, wrongful death claims, and personal injury claims involving cruise lines and maritime companies. We are committed to uncovering the truth, holding negligent parties accountable, and helping families secure the justice and compensation they deserve. We offer:
- Free consultations
- Contingency-based representation (you don’t pay unless we win)
- Thorough investigations, including collaboration with maritime experts
- Aggressive legal advocacy against powerful cruise industry defendants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What should I do if a family member dies on a cruise ship?
A: Request a full autopsy, gather as much documentation as possible, and speak with an attorney. Do not rely solely on the cruise line’s explanation.
Q: Can I sue a cruise line if I was injured during the trip?
A: Yes, but these cases often fall under strict deadlines (often just 6–12 months). It is critical to act quickly and speak with a maritime lawyer.
Q: Are cruise lines responsible for medical mistakes onboard?
A: Sometimes. While cruise lines often claim medical staff are independent contractors, courts have increasingly held them accountable for negligent care.
Q: Does U.S. law apply to foreign-flagged ships?
A: In many cases, yes, especially if the cruise departs from or returns to a U.S. port and involves U.S. citizens. However, international waters complicate jurisdiction.
Q: What is the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA)?
A: This 2010 law requires cruise lines to report crimes and meet safety standards for video surveillance, medical care, and crime prevention.
Contact Kherkher Garcia for Help After a Cruise Ship Incident
If you have lost a loved one or have been seriously injured on a cruise ship, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. The experienced maritime attorneys at Kherkher Garcia are ready to fight for your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will help you understand your legal options and guide you through the next steps with care and compassion. Call us now to get started at 713-333-1030. Or, reach out to us via our online contact form.
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