“MAN OVERBOARD!” It’s the call you never want to hear. The moment the alarm goes out, all hands on deck spring to action. Response speed is critical when attempting to save someone who has gone overboard.
Falling overboard can happen when a ship is either docked or sailing. That’s why it’s crucial to carry personal flotation equipment on board at all times and make it easily accessible to both passengers and crew members. Passengers on a cruise are required to attend a mandatory muster drill before they set sail. The crew demonstrates how to use life jackets and boats, which are crucial in rescuing a person who has fallen overboard.
Reasons that a passenger might fall overboard
A passenger may go overboard for a variety of reasons, including:
- Slick decks
- Choppy waters
- An inexperienced crew
- Inadequate visibility
- A loose item or container that hits someone
- Stormy or windy weather conditions
- Low sides, also known as gunwales
- Risks of falling or tripping, such as a chain or rope
- Equipment failure
The occurrence of these risks can often be attributed to a lack of caution. Every crew member knows that it only takes a moment for a pleasure cruise to turn deadly.
Types of injuries that can occur
Falling overboard is considered one of the most dangerous accidents that can happen at sea. A passenger may sustain a variety of injuries when they go overboard, including:
- Head injuries
- Spinal wounds
- Shattered or broken bones
- Dangerously low body temperature
- Submerging and drowning
Crew members know that drowning or hypothermia can occur in an instant in this situation. After the rescue is complete, a doctor needs to examine the injured passenger and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
If you fell overboard on a cruise ship and were injured, seek assistance to help you recover any medical expenses and losses that you incurred.
