Court finds Royal Caribbean not liable for death of man who fell overboard
Royal Caribbean Cruises has been found not liable for the overboard death of a passenger allegedly served the equivalent of 30 alcoholic drinks.
Nathaniel Skokan, 22, died on December 22, 2016, when witnesses say he was pretending to jump ship, but slipped and fell from the Independence of the Seas.
A Miami federal court ruled in favour of the cruise line, which said Nathaniel’s ‘own negligence’ was responsible for his death.
In the lawsuit, Nathaniel’s parents, Todd and Lisa Skokan, and his brothers, Samuel and Zachary, accused Royal Caribbean of over-serving Nathaniel as part of its all-inclusive drink package.
The also said the cruise company illegally detained the family members in their cabin while officials searched for Nathaniel, as well as waiting two hours to lower rescue boats from the time the ship learned of his disappearance.
Furthermore, the family alleged the cruise line inflicted emotional distress when the captain reportedly announced Nathaniel had ‘intentionally’ fallen overboard.
The family had claimed $75,000 in damages, saying Royal Caribbean ‘knew or should have known’ he was a danger to himself due to his intoxication.
Skokan was on the ship’s 12th-floor deck with other passengers when he went to sit on the handrail, but lost balance and slipped overboard, according to witness testimony.
He was served at least 30 ounces of alcohol over a 12-hour period and had a blood-alcohol level of at least .256.
The jury found Royal Caribbean not negligent, and said it did not intentionally inflict emotional distress on the family.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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