Royal Caribbean Cruises has been found not liable for the overboard death of a passenger allegedly served the equivalent of 30 alcoholic drinks.
A Miami federal court ruled in favour of the cruise line which said Nathaniel Skokan’s ‘own negligence’ was responsible for his death.
Skokan’s parents had claimed $75,000 in damages, claiming Royal Caribbean ‘knew or should have known’ he was a danger to himself due to his intoxication.
They also alleged emotional distress by the line, announcing that their son ‘intentionally’ went overboard.
Skokan was on the ship’s 12th-floor deck with other passengers when he went to sit on the handrail.
He then lost his balance and slipped overboard, according to witness testimony.
He was served at least 30 ounces of alcohol over a 12-hour period and had a blood-alcohol level of at least .256.
The jury found Royal Caribbean not negligent, nor did it intentionally inflict emotional distress on the family.
