Per WTKR News in Norfolk, VA a injured passenger was taken by the Coast Guard from the Viking Sky to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
According to the report, “watchstanders at the 5th Coast Guard District Command Center in Portsmouth were notified around 12:30 p.m. Monday that the woman had fallen and injured her hip on board the 749-foot Viking Sky. The helicopter crew lifted the woman and her husband from the ship and transported them to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.”
The passenger was an 87 year old woman’s fall and hip injury were severe enough to warrant a Coast Guard medevac.
Falls involving elderly passengers are not uncommon on cruise ships. Accidents occur frequently and for various reasons. The simple rocking of the boat on ocean waters can be enough to make passengers unstable and likely to fall. Other hazards could include slippery, wet decks or floors among a variety of other possible hazards — broken handrails on stairs, torn carpeting, luggage left in hallways and more.
It’s important that medical help is called quickly for these accidents and, especially if negligence by the cruise line or crew is suspected, that authorities aboard the ship are contacted immediately and accident reports are filed.
Passengers who are injured are often confused and/or are focused on getting treatment…not necessarily in the right frame of mind to determine ‘why the accident happened.’
Waks and Barnett, P.A. | Admiralty and Maritime Law
Waks & Barnett attorneys practice in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death, with a focus on Cruise Ship Injury and Accidents, Admiralty and Maritime cases. For more information, please call our office in Miami — our number is 1-800-905-2891. All initial consultations are free of charge.