Ship's Second Officer Blamed for Harrowing Incident aboard Cruiseliner

By Thomas Hall

Published on January 31, 2008

The board also faults the captain for not being on the bridge at the time of the incident.

Nearly 300 people were injured when the vessel took a dramatic 24-degree turn onto its side, causing objects and passengers to be thrown about the ship.

The incident occurred shortly after the vessel departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, to begin a 10-day trip to the Caribbean. NTSB officials report that the captain and crew did not realize their high rate of speed in shallow water, causing the ship to veer off course. Officials say after the ship was found to be off its proper heading, the second officer switched off the autopilot to correct it, but steered the wrong way, ultimately resulting in the tilting of the ship.

The NTSB is recommending that all members of the Cruise Line International Association receive enhanced navigation systems training.

Princess Cruises has issued an apology to passengers, and says it is already requiring better supervision of deck officers and more navigation training for its crews.

Thirty-five of the ship's passengers have filed a class-action lawsuit against the cruise line company, claiming that they suffered serious injuries and emotional distress from the incident.

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