A family holiday aboard the Norwegian Getaway turned tragic when a father drowned at Bermuda’s Horseshoe Bay. Now, his family is suing Norwegian Cruise Line. They claim the cruise line failed to warn them about dangerous sea conditions during their March 2024 trip. Despite promoting the excursion as “easy” and suitable for all, the family alleges they were not informed of the risks.
What Happened at Horseshoe Bay
On 27th March 2024, Hyon Duk Shin, his wife Yanli Gong, their two young sons, and Shin’s mother visited the famous pink-sand beach. While snorkelling, Shin noticed a girl caught in rip currents. He managed to save her but was then overwhelmed by the strong undertow himself. With no lifeguards present, as it was outside peak tourist season, bystanders tried to help but couldn’t revive him. His family witnessed the heartbreaking event.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
The family has filed a lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line, citing negligence. They argue the excursion was advertised as “easy,” with no warnings about rip currents. The cruise took place when lifeguards were not stationed at the beach. The lawsuit claims NCL was aware of previous drowning incidents and government warnings but failed to disclose them. Court documents suggest that with proper information, the family would have avoided the excursion.
Excursion Still on Sale
Despite the tragedy, Norwegian Cruise Line continues to offer transfers to Horseshoe Bay on its website. The beach trip remains listed as a Level 1 “easy” tour. It is described as a chance to swim or relax on the sand, with no mention of currents or potential hazards. Shin’s death is not an isolated incident. This month, two guests drowned in separate incidents at Carnival’s new Celebration Key in the Bahamas. In August, a Vietnamese couple visiting Milos in Greece also died after being swept into the sea by strong winds. While such incidents are rare, they underscore the risks of unfamiliar environments.
This lawsuit might push cruise lines to reconsider how they label and describe their shore excursions. Providing clearer information could help guests make safer choices.
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