While Congress has focused on crimes aboard cruise ships for which they think the cruise line is to blame, there's been a story developing over the last couple of weeks that says you also have to watch out for chance encounters with your fellow passengers. A couple of weeks ago, two men literally bumped into each other on Carnival Elation on the first night of the ship's 5-night cruise from San Diego to Mexico. All accounts have the one man - a businessman from the San Diego area aboard to celebrate his 50th birthday - having had several drinks. The other man was in his early 20's and with a group of people. There was some conversation between the two, and that's where the stories begin to diverge.
Some of the stories say they had a little pleasant conversation; some say the exchange was heated. Some say the older man then threatened the younger man. Then reconverge again saying there was a minor scuffle, and the older man fell down a flight of stairs. He was unconscious and bleeding from the head when he landed at the bottom of the flight. The ship stopped at Ensenada so he could be taken to a shoreside medical facility. In line with normal procedures, the FBI was notified and the younger man was detained onboard for questioning. (No criminal charges have been filed.) The original incident was reported by the San Diego Union Tribune.
About a week later, there was a follow-up article. The older man's injuries were very serious, and he hasn't regained consciousness. The man's family has already filed a $100 million lawsuit against the younger man. Carnival was not named in the suit.
The coverage has brought forward two interesting aspects. One is that the newspaper seems to be covering this in the business section, apparently because of the man's status owning a local grocery store, and being a member of a family where many members are involved the different aspects of the local grocery industry. (It makes one wonder if it had been the younger man who was seriously injured, if the paper would have covered the incident at all.)
The other interesting thing is comment sections that have developed on that article and one two days later. They both have drawn a huge number of comments, including many from people who were there and witnessed the incident. In true Perry Mason style, the participants are clearly divided into two completely different perspectives, almost like they were at two completely different incidents. This is going to be an interesting story to watch develop for months to come, long after the cruise was over. Needless to say, no matter who ultimately proves to be at fault, we hope for the older man's best recovery.
Note: Links are valid at the time of posting.
