FBI Investigates Passenger Death on Carnival Cruise: What Are Your Rights?

The recent death of a passenger on a Carnival Cruise ship, which prompted an FBI investigation, has raised concerns about safety and passenger rights on cruise lines. While cruise vacations promise relaxation and adventure, incidents like these highlight the potential risks involved. Understanding your rights as a passenger is crucial, especially when tragedy strikes. According to one report, approximately 200 cruise ship deaths occur each year. When the FBI gets involved, it typically signals possible foul play, especially when the death occurs in international waters.

What Happens When a Passenger Dies on a Cruise?

When a passenger dies on a cruise ship, a series of procedures are set in motion. The immediate priorities are to provide medical attention (if possible) and to preserve the body. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps:

Medical Response: The onboard medical team will attempt resuscitation if appropriate. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the death is pronounced.
Notification: The ship’s captain and security officer are notified.
Body Storage: The body is moved to the cruise ship morgue, which most modern cruise ships are equipped with.
Death Certificate: A death certificate is prepared.
Investigation: An investigation is conducted by the cruise line to determine the cause of death.
Reporting: The death must be recorded in the ship’s log, and the flag state (the country where the ship is registered) must be notified, as they have jurisdiction over incidents that occur onboard. If the ship is bound for or docked in a U.S. port, the cruise line must also report the death to the FBI or other relevant law enforcement agencies, as per the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA).
Family Support: The ship’s staff will contact the deceased’s next of kin and offer support, including assistance with arrangements for the repatriation of the body.

FBI Involvement: When Does the FBI Investigate?

The FBI has jurisdiction over suspicious deaths on cruise ships under specific circumstances. According to U.S. law, the FBI typically gets involved when:

The death involves American citizens.
The death occurs on a vessel that docks at a U.S. port.
There is suspicion of foul play.
The death occurs in international waters.

The FBI focuses its investigative efforts on specified serious crimes committed within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the U.S. These crimes include but are not limited to:

Assault with serious bodily injury
Murder or attempt to commit murder or manslaughter
Kidnapping
Sexual assault
Robbery, theft of money or property, and/or receiving stolen property in excess of $10,000
Firing (starting a fire on or tampering with the vessel)

Your Rights and Potential Legal Recourse

If a loved one dies on a cruise ship, it’s essential to understand your rights and the potential legal avenues you can pursue.

1. Wrongful Death Claim:

If the death was a result of negligence or misconduct on the part of the cruise line, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Cruise lines have a duty of care to their passengers, which includes:

Maintaining a safe environment
Providing adequate medical care
Ensuring the safety and security of passengers

To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, you typically need to prove the following:

Duty of Care: The cruise line owed a duty of care to the deceased.
Breach of Duty: The cruise line breached that duty through negligence or misconduct.
Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the death.
Damages: The survivors have suffered damages as a result of the death.

2. Maritime Law and the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA):

Cruise ship incidents fall under maritime law, which is distinct from regular legal proceedings due to its international nature and unique legal codes. The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) is a federal law that governs wrongful deaths occurring more than three nautical miles from U.S. shores. DOHSA can limit the types of compensation available to families, particularly if the deceased did not have financial dependents.

3. Liability Waivers:

Many cruise lines have liability waivers included in their tickets, which passengers agree to when using the ticket. These waivers can limit your ability to sue the cruise line. However, waivers may not be enforceable in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the cruise line.

4. Statute of Limitations:

There are strict deadlines for filing a wrongful death lawsuit against a cruise line. The statute of limitations is typically one year from the date of death, but this can vary depending on the cruise line’s ticket contract and the jurisdiction in which the lawsuit is filed.

5. Compensation:

If you have a valid wrongful death claim, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses
Loss of income
Loss of support and services
Loss of companionship
Pain and suffering

Steps to Take After a Passenger Death

If you experience the tragedy of a loved one dying on a cruise ship, here are some crucial steps to take:

Report the Death: Ensure the death is reported to the appropriate authorities, including local authorities at the next port of call, the flag state, and, if applicable, the FBI.
Obtain Documentation: Gather all relevant documents, such as the death certificate, medical records, and the cruise ticket contract.
Preserve Evidence: If possible, preserve any evidence related to the death, such as photos, videos, and witness statements.
Consult a Maritime Attorney: Contact a maritime attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can advise you on your legal rights, investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, and help you pursue a wrongful death claim if appropriate.
Request Medical Reports: If the ship’s medical team treated the deceased, obtain all medical records.
Check the Location: If the death happened within three miles of shore, DOHSA may not apply.
Act Quickly: Maritime claims often have strict deadlines. Cruise contracts may require legal action within one year.

The Cruise Line’s Responsibility

Following a death onboard, the cruise line will conduct its own investigation. However, it’s important to remember that the cruise line’s primary goal is to minimize its liability. Therefore, it’s crucial to conduct your own independent investigation with the help of a qualified attorney.

Cruise lines are referred to as common carriers, meaning the standard of care owed to those on board is higher than you may find in other circumstances. Cruise ship operators must abide by a heightened duty of care. The company holds responsibility for preventing incidents caused by third-parties with cameras, background checks and other security measures.

Recent Incidents and Lawsuits

Several recent incidents highlight the issues surrounding passenger deaths on cruise ships:

FBI Investigation on Carnival Horizon (2025): The FBI launched an investigation into the death of a passenger aboard the Carnival Horizon, raising questions about possible foul play.
Royal Caribbean Lawsuit (2025): A family sued Royal Caribbean after a woman fell overboard, alleging that the crew over-served her alcohol.
Celebrity Cruises Incident (2023): A lawsuit was filed against Celebrity Cruises after a deceased passenger was allegedly stored in a drink cooler instead of the ship’s morgue.

These cases underscore the importance of holding cruise lines accountable for passenger safety and well-being.

Seeking Legal Assistance

The death of a loved one is a traumatic experience, and dealing with the legal complexities of a cruise ship death can be overwhelming. If you have lost a family member on a cruise, seeking legal assistance from an experienced maritime attorney is crucial. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, investigate the circumstances of the death, and pursue a wrongful death claim against the cruise line if appropriate.

Contact our firm today for a free consultation. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and seek justice for your loved one.