Twelve people were killed on a shore excursion in Costa Maya after their tour bus flipped over. Costa Maya is located on Mexico’s eastern Yucatán peninsula. The passengers who were injured are from the US, Brazil and Canada. Eight Americans were killed. Two passengers from Sweden, one from Canada and a local tour guide also died in the crash.
The bus passengers were participating in a shore excursion to Mayan ruins in Chacchoben, Mexico. They were passengers on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises’ Equinox cruises. Both cruise lines are owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Joseph J. Kalbac, Jr., a partner at Colson Hicks Eidson, was quoted by the Miami Herald for an article on the crash. Mr. Kalbac commented on why these accidents are more likely to occur in less-developed countries. Underdeveloped countries lack strict safety standards that exist in the US. Equipment on tour buses or other automobiles can be poorly maintained, old and unsafe.
There are other reasons why these tragedies continue to occur. Tours or other activities are sold to passengers on cruises like Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas. Passengers may participate in activities like snorkeling or ziplining. They may also go on tours of ancient ruins. However, cruise lines work with vendors to arrange these activities. If the vetting process for these companies is not rigorous, passengers can be put in harm’s way.
Colson Hicks Eidson Has Experience with Shore Excursion Accidents
Colson Hicks Eidson has experience helping victims of shore excursion accidents. We have settled cases for shore excursion accidents like the one described in this blog. If you or a loved one were harmed on a shore excursion, you may still have options to recover damages even if a waiver was signed. It costs nothing to speak with one of our attorneys to discover your possible legal options.
