The negligence with which many cruise line operators treat their staff was apparent on a Celebrity cruise ship last month. At least seven of the crew members on the Celebrity Mercury cruise were injured by carbon monoxide poisoning.
The cruise ship had been docked at Baltimore when the crew members were exposed to the toxic fumes. All seven of them had to be treated at a local hospital for their symptoms. One of them suffered severe chest pains, while others suffered respiratory difficulties. There is speculation that the carbon monoxide fumes emanated as a result of some welding activities taking part on the cruise liner. As expected, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited was not available immediately for comment on the source of the poisoning.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of toxic gas inhalation-related deaths in the country. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that kills nearly 500 people every year, and sickens 15,000 people enough to have to visit a hospital emergency room. Symptoms include
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Respiratory problems
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Abdominal pain
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
It’s fortunate that the crew members have not suffered major injuries in this entirely preventable episode. It’s easy to believe that insufficient ventilation was likely a factor in this episode. Carbon monoxide poisoning and the inherent risks involved in the use of common heaters and other appliances, have been known for a long time. It’s also common knowledge that a vessel’s confines increase the risk of poisoning. As a maritime lawyer, I have to wonder, why then, were safety precautions not taken here?
Based upon the exposure indicated in this posting, these crew members should seek follow up medical attention to have both their brains and cardio-vascular system monitored. Once of the lesser known long term injuries from acute and chronic carbon monoxide poisoning is cardio-vascular deterioration. I have had clients in the past who developed high blood pressure, as well as other cardio-vascular conditions following significant exposures to carbon monoxide. Also, if welding was in fact the cause of the carbon monoxide exposures there can be various other gases and chemicals that are a by-product of the welding itself that can cause long-term injury. In a confined space, such as a cruise ship, they are fortunate that no one died. This is the type of carbon monoxide incident that is easily prevented if proper safety standards are followed.
Thank you for your comment, Matthew!