In Alaska, two cruise excursion planes crash mid-air during a sightseeing trip. A team of federal accident investigators are investigating the accident and are trying to piece together what caused the collision. The accident killed four people.
Common Reasons Why Shore Excursion Injuries Happen
Most shore excursions are fun and accident-free. However, this doesn’t mean that since most passengers return safely that these tours are safe. In fact, shore excursion accidents can be deadly, since activities expose passengers to activities not done before. Plus, safety briefings are brief due to shortened time restraints of excursions. Furthermore, tour operators may not be following rules, regulations or laws. They may not be maintaining equipment and vehicles properly. Plus, vehicles and equipment in foreign countries don’t typically have the proper safety features standard in America. Reports indicate that vehicles may be missing brake lights, seat belts or proper tire pressure. Missing these basic items could cause an accident. In addition, driver error, unsafe operation, and inexperienced employees sometimes employed only for the season could lead to accidents.
Excursion Planes Crash
Two floater planers carrying a group of tourists crashed midair in Alaska. Princess Cruises said a shore excursion company sold the tickets through the cruise line. It was carrying ten guests and a pilot. However, the second plane was an independent flight tour. It was also carrying four cruise ship Royal Princess passengers along with a pilot.
The Coast Guard rescued multiple people, however many are still missing. Both aircraft fell into the water and became submerged. Investigators noted that one plane fell into a lake and the other an ocean. However, the Federal Aviation Administration does not know why the floatplanes collided. Weather conditions included high overcast skies with 9 mph southeast winds. Floatplanes have pontoons mounted under the fuselage so they can land on water. However, these planes were upside down.
This isn’t the first major crash near Ketchikan. This Alaskan city is a popular tourist destination. In June 2015, a pilot and eight passengers died when a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter operated by Promech Air Inc. crashed into a mountain. The NTSB later determined the reason for the crash was pilot error and lack of a formal safety program.
Don’t Wait to Get Help After an Injury
If you, your child, or your relative suffered a cruise ship or aviation-related injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you disembark, your next step should be to get experienced legal help from a knowledgeable attorney.
At The Michael Brady Lynch Firm, our lawyers have decades of experience helping injured people get justice and full compensation for injuries caused by negligence. Given that lawsuits against cruise ships are in a venue favorable to the cruise lines, it is incredibly important to have an experienced attorney with ample resources to prosecute your claim. The Michel Brady Lynch Firm regularly takes on the largest corporations in the world with a track record of proven success and results. Contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm today, and our attorneys will review your case for free and help you protect your rights. For your complimentary consultation, call our office now.