MIAMI, FL—October 25, 2011 – An Ohio husband who witnessed his wife get pulled into the propellers of a boat during a snorkeling expedition off the coast of Belize has filed a lawsuit alleging both wrongful death and negligence. According to information provided by the Seattle Times, Seattle-based cruise ship company Holland America and Belize-based snorkeling excursion company Cruise Solutions are being sued in connection with the horrific Feb. 2010 cruise accident.
Reports suggested Michael Mechling and his wife Diana boarded a Holland America cruise ship in Feb. 2010, seemingly under the premise that they would be able to participate in various tours and expeditions during their Caribbean cruise voyage. Unfortunately, one of those excursions took an unexpected turn for the worse.
According to a negligence and wrongful death lawsuit filed in Seattle on Oct. 18, the Mechlings were on a snorkeling trip off the coast of Belize when something went horribly wrong. Almost immediately after Diana Mechling leapt from the boat and into rough waters, the tour boat operator reversed in an attempt to stabilize the vessel.
The lawsuit alleged, “Michael Mechling realized that he could not see Diana Mechling and began yelling, `Where is my wife?'” Mrs. Mechling, who was behind the boat when the operator shifted it into reverse, was consequently pulled beneath the vessel and into its propellers. Although the severely injured cruise ship passenger was conscious upon being transported to a hospital, her wounds ultimately proved fatal.
Mr. Mechling is seeking unspecified compensation in connection with the fatal cruise accident
Although Cruise Solutions did not comment on the pending negligence lawsuit, Holland America spokesperson Erik Elvejord stated, “Holland America Line is aware that a complaint has been filed and we extend our sympathies to the family for their loss. However, as is company policy, we do not comment on legal matters.”
*The Miami personal injury law firm of Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. has no affiliation with the case above.
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With four decades of experience litigating the multifaceted personal injury and wrongful death claims of boat and cruise line passengers who are hurt or assaulted onboard, the knowledgeable Florida boating accident lawyers of Gerson & Schwartz are dedicated to protecting the rights of these individuals and fighting to provide them with the compensation they deserve. Working closely with the National Center for Victims of Crime, the Miami personal injury attorneys of Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. strive to provide justice to individuals who suffer serious injuries in a wide variety of boating accidents.