NEWS

Delawarean sues over Anthem of the Seas' trip in storm

Federal lawsuit in Florida filed against Royal Caribbean over cruise ship that sailed through massive storm in February.

Jessica Masulli Reyes
The News Journal
This image made available by Flavio Cadegiani shows damage to the deck of Royal Caribbean's ship Anthem of the Seas, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. The ship ran into high winds and rough seas in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, forcing passengers into their cabins overnight. No injuries were reported and only minor damage to some public areas. The ship is turning around and sailing back to its home port in New Jersey. (Flavio Cadegiani via AP)

A Delawarean who was aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship battered during a major coastal storm earlier this month has filed a federal lawsuit against the cruise line.

In the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Miami last week, Bruce J. Simpson accuses Royal Caribbean of allowing the Anthem of the Seas cruise ship to sail, even though the crew and captain were aware of a major storm brewing off the Atlantic Coast.

"Royal Caribbean knew or should have known that the storm was approaching when it chose to set sail," the lawsuit said. "Despite this knowledge, Royal Caribbean proceeded into the storm putting profits ahead of the safety of its passengers."

The ordeal drew widespread public attention around the nation as some passengers shared details on social media as the harrowing trip unfolded.

It began on Feb. 6 when 4,500 passengers, including Simpson and his husband, boarded the cruise ship in New Jersey, expecting to be taken on a seven-day cruise to Florida and the Bahamas. At the time, multiple weather forecasters and meteorologists warned of a storm with hurricane potential.

On the first full day at sea, the captain ordered all passengers to stay in their rooms for safety as the ship headed into the storm, the lawsuit said.

Passengers from the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas, exit the terminal after arriving at Cape Liberty cruise port, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, in Bayonne, N.J. Carrying 4,500 passengers and 1,600 crew members, the ship returned early from a seven-day cruise to the Bahamas after it was battered by a major storm in the Atlantic Ocean. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

The storm progressively worsened with waves reaching 10 to 30 feet and winds whipping at over 100 miles per hour, the lawsuit said. Pictures filed with the lawsuit show damage to the ship.

"While confined to their rooms, the captain repeatedly told the passengers that the ship was in contact with Royal Caribbean's main office in Miami as well as the Coast Guard," the lawsuit said. "Only later did [Simpson] discover that the ship was not in contact with the Coast Guard. Instead, the Coast Guard reached out to the Anthem of the Seas after seeing the social media posts of the Anthem of the Seas' passengers during the storm."

This image made available by Flavio Cadegiani shows damage to Royal Caribbean's ship Anthem of the Seas, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016.

Simpson and his husband stayed in the room without life preservers, holding onto the bed and couch for safety. At one point, Simpson attempted to rise to use the bathroom, but was flung about 18 feet and knocked unconscious by the violent pitching of the ship, the lawsuit said.

According to the lawsuit, Simpson suffered a concussion; sprained or broken wrist; and bruising to his ribs, torso and left eye. His husband called the cruise ship's 911 line to seek medical attention, but was told to wait until after the storm because Simpson was breathing and not bleeding, the lawsuit said.

The next morning, Simpson and several other injured passengers visited the onboard physician. The physician was unable to do an X-ray on Simpson's wrist because the machine was damaged during the storm, the lawsuit said.

Meteorologists: Royal Caribbean blew it by sailing into storm

"Later that day, the captain announced to the passengers that the past 24-36 hours was the worst sea conditions he had seen in his entire career," the lawsuit said. "The captain then told the passengers that the ship had detected another storm outside of Jacksonville, Florida, and to avoid this second storm, the Anthem of the Seas would be returning to New Jersey."

The cruise ship docked on Feb. 10 around 6 p.m. The passengers received a refund and a certificate for half off a future cruise.

The lawsuit, which alleges that Royal Caribbean's negligence caused him pain and suffering, is seeking damages, interest, court costs and all other relief the court deems necessary.

Even though Simpson lives in Delaware, the lawsuit was filed in Florida because Royal Caribbean's principal place of business is there, and the cruise line tickets require that lawsuits be brought in that court.

The lawsuit does not say where Simpson is from in Delaware, and attempts to reach him and his Florida attorney, Scott Schlesinger, were unsuccessful.

Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez said that the company doesn't comment on pending litigation.

Contact Jessica Masulli Reyes at (302) 324-2777, jmreyes@delawareonline.com or Twitter @JessicaMasulli.