Each year, more than 6 million visitors from the U.S. visit the Bahamas. The 700 various island chain is just 50 miles off the coast of America. Also, the country boasts 2,000 rocks and cays. The Bahamas are a great place for water sports, scuba diving or snorkeling, or simply enjoying the many beautiful sandy beaches. Yet, while the Bahamas have a lot to offer cruising passengers, are the Bahamas cruises safe?
Climbing Crime Rates
The Bahamas crime rate is very high and steadily climbing. The most common crimes include armed robbery and sexual assault. In fact, 2015 had a record number of murders at 146. While many victims are locals, tourists are still at risk in the Bahamas. The United States Department of State issued a travel warning to those visiting the country.
Highest Risk Areas
The United States Department of State warned American tourists of the dangers on New Providence and Grand Bahamas Island. One of the most popular places to visit in Nassau is Atlantis, but the Atlantis crime rate is higher than most tourists realize. The Overseas Security Advisory Council has issued warnings about the crime rate in Nassau, Bahamas, including an alert-advising tourist not to be alone with Jet Ski operators, taxi drivers or scooter operators. The Counsel advises visitors to use clearly marked buses or taxis with fully licensed drivers.
Freeport’s crime rate is also high. Freeport is on Grand Bahama Island where crimes, including those involving machetes, have risen. Criminals regularly carry and often brandish not just machetes but also firearms and knives. Criminals use these weapons in robberies.
Cruise Ship Obligation
Cruise ships have basic obligations not to put their passengers in peril. This means that if a cruise line engages in negligent behavior, including putting passengers in jeopardy while at a port of call, it is possible to hold them accountable for the damages. Cruise lines can be liable not only if they create unsafe conditions for passengers, but also if they fail to protect passengers from security threats. This means cruise lines must provide reasonable security. Since the crime rate in Nassau is high, cruise ships should employ appropriate precautions to protect passengers. This means cruises should assess the safety of tour operators and shore excursions. However, cruise lines don’t always fulfill its obligations, and passengers are injured.
Don’t Wait to Get Help After an Injury
If you, your child, or your relative suffered a cruise ship 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 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.