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Editor: Rod Sullivan
Profession: Maritime Attorney

Category: Cruise Ship Injuries and Accidents

George Smith IV vanished from the Brilliance of the Seas last July off Turkey. In reaction to press reports on the disappearance, Congress has held hearings on cruise ship safety, even on cruise ships which are operated outside of the United States. This is not an isolated incident, but neither is it a national problem.

The number one cause of passengers disappearing at sea is suicide. The number two cause is falls overboard caused by alcohol and drug consumption. Passengers who have been drinking sometimes want to recreate the "I'm King of the World" scene from the movie "Titanic" and fall over the side. Some may think that the ship can turn around and find them if they fall overboard. That is only a faint hope.

However, passengers, particularly young female passengers, need to be aware that if the socialize with the crews of most cruise ships, they could be putting themselves in danger. The officers are well-trained and professional, but the crews are more likely to be transient, poorly paid, poorly educated, and more prone to violence than the officers are.

What happened to George Smith IV? My money is on a suicide. Yes, I know it was his honeymoon. Yes, I know his wife was beautiful and that he had his entire future to look forward to. Who knows what goes on inside a man's mind.