Legal Action Against Carnival Cruise Line
A passenger has taken legal steps against Carnival Cruise Line following a waterslide mishap on the Carnival Sunshine. Savannah Ward, hailing from Virginia, claims she sustained severe injuries due to unsafe conditions. The lawsuit was filed on 19th February 2026 in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Incident Details
The unfortunate event occurred on 20th March 2025, during a six-night cruise to the Bahamas. The Carnival Sunshine, a 104,000 gross ton vessel, had set sail from Norfolk, Virginia, on 16th March. The incident took place on the penultimate day of the voyage. The ship continues to operate from its homeport in Norfolk.
Allegations of Negligence
Court documents reveal that Ward was injured while using a waterslide on the ship. Her feet collided with a wall at the slide’s end, causing significant harm. The lawsuit highlights that the slide’s final section, meant to slow riders, lacked adequate water levels. This section usually contains several inches of water to ensure a safe stop.
Claims of Crew Oversight
Despite the insufficient water levels, two crew members allegedly continued to send passengers down the slide. Ward’s injuries included a broken right foot and a sprained left ankle. She claims these injuries have resulted in permanent mobility issues, reduced strength, and chronic pain.
Questions Over Slide Operations
The specific slide involved in the incident remains unspecified. Carnival Sunshine boasts three slides in its WaterWorks park on Deck 10 aft. The yellow Twister slide offers a solo ride, while the green and blue Speedway Splash slides allow for side-by-side racing. Although these slides are not vertical drops, riders can still gain significant speed.
Water Management Concerns
All slides feature splashdown areas designed to manage water flow and decelerate guests safely. Water levels in these zones can vary due to several factors. These include the speed of dispatching riders, water displacement during splashdown, and the volume of water pumped through the system. As riders exit, water naturally leaves the runout area.
Safety Measures and Restrictions
Carnival Cruise Line enforces height and weight restrictions on WaterWorks attractions. These limits can differ based on the ship and slide type. Onboard signage typically provides detailed requirements. The lawsuit does not clarify whether these restrictions were a factor in the incident.
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