Accidents in South Africa Ports & Locations
Cruising to South Africa is a unique experience. Due to the distance between the United States and South Africa, these cruises are typically either one way or several weeks in duration (if not both). Cruising from the U.S. to South Africa necessarily involves crossing the Atlantic Ocean, with many cruises making a brief stop in the Caribbean (often in Puerto Rico) before starting the transatlantic journey and then working their way down the west coast of Africa.
Cruise Destinations in South Africa
Once you get to South Africa, your main cruise destination will be Cape Town. This well-known city is one of the nation’s three capitals, as the nation’s government is divided into three separate spheres. However, during a typical South Africa cruise, passengers may have the opportunity to disembark and explore at several of the following locations:
- Cape of Good Hope
- Cape Town
- Durban
- East London
- Mossel Bay
- Port Elizabeth
- Richards Bay
Cruise Passenger Injuries and Illnesses on Cruises to South Africa
In most cases, crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a cruise ship is an uneventful experience. But, occasionally, cruise ships are unable to avoid hazardous water and weather conditions. Encountering harsh conditions at sea can put all passengers at risk for injury, and confining cruise passengers to enclosed areas during periods of heavy rains, winds and waves can trigger outbreaks as well.
But, harsh conditions are not necessary for cruise ship accidents to occur. In fact, most passengers who get injured suffer their injuries while traversing calm waters. Slips and falls are common causes of injuries, as are swimming pool accidents, FlowRider accidents, and collisions with other passengers. Food poisoning, assaults and sexual assaults, gangway accidents, and dangerous shore excursions are all common causes of passenger injuries as well.
Crewmember Injury and Illness Claims Under the Jones Act
Transatlantic crossings and extended cruises to South Africa also present risks for crewmembers. Individuals who work on cruise ships largely face the same risks as passengers, though certain jobs onboard present additional risks as well.
Cruise ship crewmembers qualify as “seamen” under the Jones Act, and this means that they can file claims for “no-fault” benefits when they get injured at sea. But, these benefits are limited, and in many cases, crewmembers will need to seek additional compensation. When a crewmember gets injured due to a cruise line’s negligence or an unseaworthy condition onboard, the crewmember can seek full coverage for his or her medical needs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other injury-related losses.
Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Accidents, Outbreaks and Illnesses At Sea
Tragically, some individuals who cruise to South Africa never make it home. If you have lost a loved one on a cruise ship, your family has clear legal rights. You should speak with a lawyer about filing a wrongful death claim against the cruise line, and you should work closely with your lawyer to seek the full financial compensation you and your family members deserve.
Speak with a Lawyer About Filing a Claim Related to a South Africa Cruise
If you need to know more about filing a claim for an injury, illness or wrongful death suffered on a South African cruise, we encourage you to get in touch. For a free and confidential consultation at Brais Law Firm, call 800-499-0551 or contact us online now.
