Fisherman sues cruise line for indifference

BNN

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May 15, 2012

An 18-year-old Panamanian fisherman who survived 28 days adrift at sea is suing Princess Cruise Lines, arguing that one of its cruise ships should have stopped and saved him.

The suit says three passengers who were birdwatching on the ship alerted a crew member when they spotted Adrian Vasquez and his companions signalling for help from their fishing boat, but no activities followed, CNN reported.

The fishing boat, Fifty Cents, had been adrift for 15 days when it crossed paths with the Star Princess on March 10, according to the lawsuit. At the time, all three fishermen aboard were alive. Later that day, according to the lawsuit, 16-year-old Fernando Osorio died, having lost all hope as the Star Princess steamed away. Five days later, another fisherman on the broken-down boat, Oropeces Betancourt, 24, died at sea. Adrian Vasquez gets treatment after being rescued by the Ecuadorian navy on March 21.

Vasquez’s lawsuit seeks compensation for physical, emotional and psychological injuries that it alleges he suffered as a result of the conduct of cruise line employees.

Princess Cruises spokeswoman Karen Candy did not comment on this specific allegation, adding that the company was still investigating the incident.

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