How Often Do People Fall off Cruise Ships

With so many people on board a cruise ship, accidents can happen. Even though it’s rare, there are real cases where passengers fall off cruise ships. Still, thanks to safety efforts supported by the Cruise Lines International Association, cruise ships are much safer than many expect.

In this article, we’ll explain how often people on a cruise ship fall overboard. You’ll also learn about the causes of these scary moments, what cruise lines do when someone falls, and how a cruise injury lawyer can help if something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

• Around the world, only about two people fall off cruise ships each month, while only about 17% to 25% survive.
• Most falls happen due to accidents, rough seas, or risky behavior, but some can also be intentional.
• If you’ve been hurt in a cruise ship accident, a cruise ship accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process.

How Often Do People Fall Off Cruise Ships?

Every month, about two people fall off cruise ships around the world. While that might sound alarming, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. In 2023 alone, cruise lines carried nearly 30 million passengers, which means the odds of someone falling overboard were about 1 in 1.25 million. 

Sadly, the survival rate of falling off a cruise ship is quite slim. After someone falls overboard, only about 17% to 25% are rescued. This range of survival is low because it’s incredibly hard to spot someone in the open ocean. Also, reaching them quickly is even more difficult in bad weather or at night. While cruise lines have safety measures in place, these situations can be incredibly challenging to handle.

What Causes Overboard Accidents?

While it's rare for people to fall off a cruise ship, certain situations and behaviors can make it more likely. From environmental factors to human error, here are the most common reasons people fall off cruise ships

• High Winds and Weather Conditions – Strong winds at sea, especially on upper decks, can catch people off guard, especially near the edge. During storms, the ship's movement gets more unpredictable, which makes falls more likely.
• Slippery Decks – Pool water, rain, or spilled drinks can make decks slippery. If someone slips near the edge, the risk of a man overboard on a cruise increases. While cruise lines try to keep walkways dry, it’s still important to walk carefully and stay alert in wet or crowded areas.
• Negligent Ship Design or Maintenance — If a cruise ship has poorly maintained railings, poor lighting, or worn-down flooring, the risk of accidents rises. 
• Risky Behavior – Some of the most common risky behaviors, like climbing over railings or sitting on balcony ledges, can lead to overboard incidents. Also, if a person has consumed alcohol, it can affect their judgment and balance. This can also increase the chances of an accident.
• Intentional Actions — Although it’s rare, some people fall overboard due to suicide attempts or fights onboard. Even in these cases, cruise ships must be equipped to respond quickly and thoroughly with rescue boats and coordinated alerts.

What Happens When You Fall off a Cruise Ship?

In moderate water temperatures, a person has about 3 hours to survive before hypothermia kicks in, and less time in colder waters. From emergency alerts to survival strategies, here’s what happens the moment a passenger falls overboard:

• Man Overboard Alert — The crew triggers alarms and marks the GPS location. A loud “man overboard” call alerts passengers and crew members.
• Ship Turns Back — The cruise ship slows down and loops back to the fall site, generally using a Williamson turn.
• Rescue Operations Launch — Crew members throw flotation devices and deploy a rescue boat. Someone is assigned to maintain visual contact with the missing passenger.
• Coast Guard Is Notified — The Coast Guard and nearby vessels are called in to support the search and rescue operation.
• Post-Rescue Medical Care — Survivors are treated for injuries and hypothermia. Even if rescued, recovery may take time physically and emotionally.

From small vessels to major cruise line ships, cruise ships need to be ready to react in the event of an overboard accident. If your overboard incident happened because the cruise line failed to maintain passenger safety, you may be owed compensation.

How To Survive Falling off a Cruise Ship

A man overboard incident can be terrifying, and surviving one takes more than just luck. If you ever find yourself in the open sea after falling from a cruise ship, knowing what to do in those first critical moments can make all the difference. Here’s how to improve your chances of survival:

• Stay Calm and Face the Ship — Although it’s difficult not to panic, it’s better to calm down and keep your focus on the ship, as it’s your guide in the water.
• Avoid Gasping or Flailing — Sudden gasps can fill your lungs with water, and wild movements may injure you as you hit the surface or drift.
• Remove Heavy Clothing and Shoes — Kick off anything weighing you down, like your shoes and heavy clothing. The lighter you are, the easier it is to stay afloat.
• Float on Your Back — Use your body’s natural buoyancy by floating on your back to save your energy.
• Protect Yourself from the Sun — Use your clothes to shield your head and neck from heat, especially during daytime overboard incidents
• Signal for Help — Splash, wave, and shout if you spot a rescue boat or nearby ship. Bright clothing can also increase visibility.
• Seek Medical Attention Once Rescued — Even after rescue, complications like hypothermia or injury are common and need urgent care. Once you’re rescued, get medical help right away, even if you feel okay.

Liability for Overboard Accidents

When a passenger falls overboard, it can quickly shift from a tragic mishap to a matter of legal responsibility. Cruise lines have a duty to keep passengers safe by maintaining hazard-free decks, installing proper railings, and responding quickly to emergencies. If someone goes overboard due to unsafe conditions or poor safety measures, the cruise company may be held liable under maritime law.

In such cases, filing a cruise ship injury claim and working with an experienced cruise ship injury attorney like the ones at Louis A. Vucci P.A. can make all the difference. A legal team can investigate the circumstances of the fall, gather evidence, and determine whether the cruise line breached its duty of care. 

Whether you yourself fell overboard or you lost a loved one in a tragic overboard accident, an attorney can help you determine the next steps.

Talk to a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer

A cruise ship fall overboard doesn’t happen often, but it’s still something everyone should understand. Knowing how often it happens and what cruise lines do in these emergencies can help passengers feel more aware and safe at sea. 

At Louis A. Vucci P.A., our team of cruise injury lawyers helps people who’ve been hurt or lost someone in a man-overboard incident. If you have questions or need help, reach out to us. We’re here to give you answers and support when it matters most.

Related Reading:

• How to Survive Falling off a Cruise Ship in Open Ocean
• Can You Survive a Fall From a Cruise Ship?