Carnival Radiance accidents and incidents

25 May 2024Boat Rescue

On May 25, 2024, while en route from Los Angeles to Mexico, the ship responded to a USCG/Coast Guard distress call and promptly altered course to reach the USCG-sent GPS coordinates.

Carnival Radiance's crew rescued 25 people stranded on a small motorized boat, including 3 children. On board, the rescued were provided with medical assistance, food, and water. Then a rendezvous with a UCG vessel was arranged to take and transport them ashore. The voyage continued on schedule.

The incident occurred in the beginning of the 3-day "Baja Mexico Cruise" (itinerary May 24-27, roundtrip from Los Angeles/Long Beach California) visiting Ensenada (May 26).

17 October 2023Structural and Technical Issues

In the early hours (~2 AM California time/~9 AM UTC) of October 17, 2023, a water pipe malfunction between two floors (decks 8 and 7) resulted in significant flooding of the carpeted hallways and passenger staterooms on the below deck.

CCL confirmed the incident and stated that the deck flooding was caused by a "burst water line", that the affected area constituted "less than 2% of the staterooms" and that the responsible crew teams promptly cleaned the flooded area and repaired the damaged pipe.

Affected passengers were relocated to other cabins.

The incident occurred on the first night of the 4-night "Baja Mexico Cruise" (itinerary October 16-20, roundtrip from Long Beach/Los Angeles, California USA) visiting Catalina Island CA (Oct 17) and Ensenada, Mexico (Oct 18)..

24 June 2023Coast Guard Medevacs

On June 24, 2023, a 57-year-old female passenger (showing symptoms of a stroke) was medevaced from the ship approx ~35 mi / ~56 km southwest of Point Loma peninsula (Cabrillo National Monument).

The ship contacted US Coast Guard Sector San Diego at ~4:30 pm California time (~23:30 UTC) requesting assistance. In response, the USCG deployed a Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk (rescue helicopter) which crew was accompanied by a paramedic from San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's STAR Team (Special Tactics and Rescue).

The woman was hoised and flown to San Diego's Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in stable condition.

The incident occurred during the 3-day "Baja Mexico Cruise" (itinerary June 23-26, roundtrip from Los Angeles) which visited only Ensenada Mexico on the following day (Jun 25th).

07 July 2020Structural and Technical Issues

In a press release on July 7, 2020, CCL-Carnival announced that is currently evaluating shipyards with proper drydock capabilities to complete the Carnival Victory-Radiance refit project. According to the announcement, the project is expected to be completed in 2021-Q1. Carnival Radiance's Maiden Voyage was rescheduled from November 8, 2020, to May 2, 2021, and a total of 25x cruises were canceled.

Due to Carnival Radiance's delayed refurbishment, the fleetmate Carnival Breeze was redeployed (changed homeport from Port Everglades to Port Canaveral) to assume Carnival Radiance's schedule planned for the period November 8 (2020) through and including April 24 (2021). As result, a total of 18x Carnival Breeze cruises (Fort Lauderdale roundtrips November 7 through and including March 7) were canceled.

The redeployment also affected Carnival Magic, on which 5x European itineraries (14-day Transatlantic Miami to Barcelona, 3x Mediterranean, 12-day Transatlantic Barcelona to NYC) in 2021 (March 13 through and including May 3) were also canceled.

March 2020Structural and Technical Issues

On March 24, 2020, following the shutdown of all Spanish shipyards due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Carnival Cruise Lines announced that the Carnival Victory-Radiance drydock reconstruction (USD 200 million project at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain) will be delayed 2 months. This impacted all bookings on Carnival Radiance cruises with departures between April 29 and June 11, 2020. Carnival Radiance's Inaugural Cruise was initially rescheduled for June 24 (4-day roundtrip from NYC to Kings Wharf, Bermuda) and later for November 5 (6-day Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral).

All affected bookings were provided with two options - either to rebook and receive an FCC (Future Cruise Credit) plus USD 600 in OBC (onboard credit per cabin) with rebooking by December 31 (2020) or to receive a full refund (100% cashback) to the original form of payment. Customers booked on itineraries starting between April 29 and June 11 were asked to complete the form online for expediting the rebooking/cancellation process.

09 September 2019Crew / Passenger Crimes

On September 9, 2019, upon debarkation in PortMiami, US Customs and Border Patrol officers arrested three male passengers and charged them with credit card fraud.  The three Californian men spent a total of over USD 110,000 on onboard shopping using stolen credit cards. The arrests were made after the cruise liner docked in homeport Miami.

The 26-year-old Myrick Rucker Jr (from Antioch CA) used on the ship three different credit cards on purchases for ~USD 25,000. Near the cruise terminal, he tried to throw away a Rolex watch claiming that it doesn't belong to him. Ship's shop staff confirmed that all his purchases (including the expensive watch) were fraudulent and the issue was endorsed by the real cardholders. Carnival employees also reported Sheldon Johnson (from Antioch CA) and Marquise Ingramof (from San Bruno CA) making shipboard purchases with stolen credit card numbers. The three accused cruisers were charged with grand theft, fraudulent use of credit cards, trafficking in counterfeit credit cards.

The incident occurred during the 3-day Bahamas cruise (itinerary Sept 6-9) roundtrip from Miami to Nassau.

04 July 2019Crew / Passenger Deaths

(overboard) On July 4, 2019, a 37-year-old male crew was reported overboard while the ship was en-route from Mexico back to Florida and navigating approx 50 km (30 ml) northwest of Cuba. All appropriate authorities were notified. The cruise liner immediately returned to the location where the missing man (Gaffar Satwilkar, from India) was last seen and conducted a search and rescue operation for several hours. For the operation, USCG 7th District (Miami) dispatched an EADS HC-144 Ocean Sentry (medium-range, twin-engined aircraft) and also diverted the vessel USCGC Charles W. Sexton (US Coast Guard Cutter). Man's body was not found.

The incident occurred at the end of 4-day Western Caribbean cruise (itinerary July 1-5) roundtrip from homeport Miami to Key West FL and Cozumel Mexico.

28 February 2019Propulsion / Power Loss

In the afternoon on February 28, 2019, while en-route back from Mexico to Florida, the liner lost power and became adrift (without propulsion) for several hours. Around 3 pm, ship's emergency diesel generator started to provide electricity, but the propulsion system became operational after several hours.

The accident occurred at the end of 4-day Western Caribbean cruise (itinerary February 25 - March 1) roundtrip from homeport Miami to Key West FL and Cozumel (Mexico).

14 December 2018Crew / Passenger Deaths

(overboard) On December 14, 2018, approx 5 hours before arriving back in PortMiami, a 26-year-old male passenger was reported missing and presumed overboard. His photo was displayed on all onboard TVs. Ship's security conducted a shipwide search, but the man (Thomas McElhany) was not found. Later, CCTV cameras confirmed the overboard.

The liner was approx 55 km (35 mi) south of Islamorada (Florida Keys archipelago, southern Florida). It turned around and conducted a search and rescue operation, assisted by a USCG helicopter. Later were dispatched three more USCG vessels - a Lockheed HC-130 Hercules (helicopter), an EADS HC-144 Ocean Sentry (twin-engine plane) and a USCGC (cutter/ship). The body was not found.

The incident occurred at the end of 3-day Bahamas Cruise (itinerary Dec 10-14) roundtrip from homeport Miami to Nassau.

22 October 2018Propulsion / Power Loss

On October 22, 2018, the ship experienced mechanical problems ("unspecified issue”) affecting its max cruising speed. AIS data showed the vessel cruising at an average speed around 11-12 kN (13 mph / 20 kph). In all ports, the liner berthed using tugboat assistance.

The accident occurred at the beginning of 4-day Western Caribbean cruise (itinerary Oct 22-26) roundtrip from homeport Miami to Key West and Cozumel. The propulsion issue resulted in significant itinerary changes as the voyage was changed from Western to Eastern Caribbean. Key West (Florida) was replaced with Nassau (Bahamas), while Cozumel (Mexico) was substituted with Princess Cays (Bahamas) and a sea day (Oct 25) was added.

As compensation, all passengers received USD 50 in onboard credit. Those who canceled the cruise were fully refunded. All pre-booked shore excursions for Cozumel and Key West were refunded.

September 2017Other Incidents

In September 2017, two cruises from Miami - itineraries September 8-11 (3-day to Nassau) and September 11-15 (4-day to Key West and Cozumel) were canceled due to hurricane Irma. All bookings received full refunds. All booked shore excursions were fully refunded.

22 March 2017Crew / Passenger Deaths

(overboard) On March 22, 2017, a 23-years-old male passenger was reported fell overboard. The man (Brandon Paul, from Floral City Florida) fell from the ship’s Verandah Deck 8. The accident occurred at ~3 am, while the cruise ship was approx 33 ml (53 km) northwest of Cuba (Pinar Del Rio). After making a 180-degree turn, the ship lowered a lifeboat and started a search operation.

The USCG dispatched an airplane from Miami and also diverted to the location the US cutter Sexton. The Cuban government also assisted in the search. The 16-hours search covered approx 3470 ml2 (9000 km2) but the man’s body was never found.

The ship was on 4-day Western Caribbean cruise (itinerary March 20-24) roundtrip Miami to Key West FL and Cozumel Mexico. As a result of the ship’s involvement in the search and rescue, the itinerary had to be changed, with Cozumel dropped. As compensation, all passengers received 20% future Carnival cruise booking discount.

01 September 2016Coast Guard Medevacs

On September 1, 2016, a 33-year-old male crew with appendix pain was medevaced by USCG just 1 mi (1,6 km) east of Port Canaveral. Via response boat, the man was transferred to EMS personnel and transported to Cape Canaveral Hospital. The vessel was on a 3-day Bahamas cruise (itinerary Sept 1-4) from Port Canaveral to Nassau.

31 March 2016Fire Accident

On March 31, 2016, at ~ 3 am the ship suffered a small fire on service deck 1 (in an electrical power station). The fire was quickly extinguished. No injuries or serious damages were reported. During the accident, the ship was very close to Port Canaveral ending a 4-day Bahamas cruise (itinerary March 27-31) roundtrip to Nassau.

03 November 2015Crew / Passenger Deaths

On November 3, 2015, a 51-year-old female passenger died ashore during a Grand Turk snorkeling excursion. The incident occurred while the ship was operating on a 5-day Eastern Caribbean cruise (itinerary Oct 31 – Nov 5) from homeport Miami with call ports Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk island.

14 September 2015Crew / Passenger Injuries and Overboards

On September 14, 2015, a young female passenger sustained a serious head concussion after falling on the ship. The woman (Christina Ricci, of New England-Canadian origin) was traveling together with her boyfriend.

The incident occurred on embarkation day, while the ship was operating on a 5-day Eastern Caribbean cruise (itinerary Sept 14 to 19) from homeport Miami with call ports Ocho Rios (Jamaica) and Grand Cayman Island. During the fall, she hit her head hard but was medevaced after ~8 hours. During that time she suffered several strokes. Doctors said she may end up partially paralyzed and never walk again.

13 October 2013Crew / Passenger Deaths

On October 13, 2013, a 6-year-old male passenger drowned in the Triton’s Pool (on Lido Deck 9). The boy’s body was found submerged, next to his brother (aged 10). Crew’s attempts to resuscitate the boy were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

When the accident occurred, the ship was docked in call port Cozumel Mexico, while the ship was operating on a 4-day Mexico cruise itinerary from Miami. The Lido pool “Triton’s” is the ship’s main swimming pool filled with salt water. It is flanked by 2 whirlpools and located in front of the “Seaside Theater” (outdoor movie screen).

The drowned boy (Qwentyn Hunter) was from Winter Garden Florida (USA). Passengers by the pool saw the body motionless under water. The ship’s DJ first saw it, then a passenger helped him to take it out of the pool. The medical staff and dispatched from Miami paramedic crew tried for over 30 min to revive the kid.

(law news) On October 12, 2016, the Hunter family filed a lawsuit against the shipowner (Carnival Corporation), claiming the company acted negligently in not providing lifeguards by the onboard swimming pools, and also for failing to provide adequate medical care.

28 March 2013Structural and Technical Issues

On March 28, 2013, while docked in Miami, the ship’s emergency (back-up) generator failed during its weekly-done test. To fix the problem, they added a backup battery and an engineer on standby in the room to monitor the equipment during port maneuvers. On April 1, the ship received a new gearwheel and the crew replaced the damaged one.

23 January 2013Crew / Passenger Crimes

(sexual) On January 23, 2013, a 28-year-old female passenger was allegedly raped (brutally and repeatedly) in a crew cabin by 2 “upper level” Carnival employees. After the woman reported the incident to the ship’s security, both men insisted it was consensual sex. The woman admitted she drank a lot that night and didn’t remember how she got in the crew cabin.

(law news) On February 22, 2014, she filed a lawsuit against Carnival Cruise Lines asserting claims of negligence and liability for the criminal conducts of its employees. The investigation showed she was drinking with her friends at the ship’s disco nightclub (Club Arctic, on Promenade Deck 5) accompanied by Carnival officers and crew. Being small framed (weighing 118 pounds / 54 kg) she was heavily intoxicated after being served with 2 margaritas, 1 Mojito and 3 double vodkas.

13 January 2013Propulsion / Power Loss

On January 13, 2013, on a 7-day roundtrip cruise from homeport San Juan Puerto Rico, the departure was delayed by almost a day due to mechanical failure. According to the official announcement, the delay was due to “scheduled maintenance” that took longer than anticipated. In reality, the inconvenience was caused by a propulsion system issue that affected the ship’s cruising speed. All other systems remained operational.

As compensation, all passengers received US$50 per person in onboard credit. The propulsion problem was fixed in the itinerary’s first call port St Thomas (USVI), where the ship arrived ~10 hours late.

23 April 2012Crew / Passenger Crimes

On April 23, 2012, two passengers (male and female) were arrested on the ship and charged for drug possession. When the ship was docked in St Kitts, cannabis was found during a cabin search conducted by the ship’s security staff and the St Kitts Customs. Both were arrested by local police.

After pleading guilty, they were sentenced to pay fines (~US$300 each) or to 30 days in jail. After paying fines they were allowed to board the ship.

25 September 2011Drug Smuggling

On September 25, 2011, a 27-year-old male passenger was arrested in St Kitts and charged with drug trafficking. The drugs (~1,7 kg of cocaine) were found inside a backpack he was carrying. The man (Carl Peterkin, of US origin) was traveling together with his brother (aged 23) who was also arrested on charges for conspiracy to smuggle drugs into the USA. The incident occurred during a random passengers inspection upon boarding in St Kitts.

12 July 2010Crew / Passenger Deaths

(murder) On July 12, 2010, a 14-year-old female passenger was killed ashore in St Thomas (USVI). The accident happened on a sponsored by Carnival shore excursion to Coki Point Beach when the open-air safari tour bus was caught in a crossfire between warring local gangsters.

The girl, a local resident (Shaheel Joseph, aged 18) and one of the gunmen were killed, while a second passenger sustained minor injuries. The shooting incident caused the cruise line to cancel all tours in the area. The murdered girl (Liz Marie Perez Chaparro, of Puerto Rican origin) was touring ashore together with her family.

(law news) On April 21, 2011, a 22-year-old St Thomas resident (charged with her killing) was convicted and found guilty on 2 counts of murder.

17 January 2010Structural and Technical Issues

On January 17, 2010, the ship experienced an equipment failure (UPS battery charger). The unit provides 30-min back-up power for the emergency lighting (as required by the international SOLAS regulations). The issue was discovered during the vessel's monthly emergency test for the unit. The damaged two Printed Circuit Boards were replaced and the battery charger tested OK.

07 November 2008Crew / Passenger Crimes

On November 7, 2008, two passengers were robbed in Tortola (BVI) on a Long Bay Beach taxi tour. The incident occurred at ~4:30 pm when an armed Rastafarian man demanded money at gunpoint. After stripping them of all money and valuables, the robber escaped but was later arrested.

18 August 2008Propulsion / Power Loss

On August 18, 2008, the vessel experienced a propulsion system issue. Its aft thruster unit (number 3) failed. The vessel operates with a total of 6 thrusters (3 fore and 3 aft). The incident occurred when the ship was docked in Manhattan (Pier 88, NYC New York). Engineering crew was sent to fix the problem underway since the vessel can operate normally even without the failed unit.

22 April 2008Crew / Passenger Deaths

(overboard) On April 22, 2008, a 44-year-old male passenger was reported missing by his wife. He was presumed fell overboard, at ~40 ml / 65 km northeast of Cozumel Mexico. The ship conducted a search and rescue operation, later joined by USCG assets dispatched from Clearwater Florida. The man was last seen in the ship’s Casino. His body was never found.

04 February 2008Crew / Passenger Crimes

(sexual) On February 4, 2008, a female passenger reported being raped by a male passenger. The incident occurred in a bathroom at the ship’s disco nightclub (deck 5). The man was later identified in a photo lineup and arrested. A lawsuit for sexual assault was filed.

27 November 2007Crew / Passenger Crimes

(sexual) On November 27, 2007, a 12-year-old female passenger was sexually assaulted by a 23-year-old male passenger. The incident occurred at ~1:30 am. After the rape, the minor girl was left drunk and semiconscious in a hallway. According to her grandmother, she was approached the day before by the same man and offered alcohol. When she refused the offer, the man threatened her boyfriend to throw him overboard.

17 November 2007Crew / Passenger Injuries and Overboards

(overboard) On November 17, 2007, a male crew fell overboard at ~3 am but was rescued alive. The man worked as a musician on the ship. The incident happened during the second leg of a 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary while the ship was en-route back to homeport Miami.

02 August 2007Ship Collision / Allision

(pier collision) On August 2, 2007, while maneuvering for docking in homeport Manhattan (NYC New York), the vessel struck a pier.

The incident caused closure of the 12th Avenue and backups on Henry Hudson Parkway. No injuries were reported. The ship was returning from a roundtrip 4-day Canada cruise to Saint John NB.

Note: Actually, this type of marine accident is called “allision” (striking a fixed object) as opposed to “collision” (striking another vessel).

12 December 2006Propulsion / Power Loss

On December 12, 2006, the ship experienced propulsion problems with one of its motor drives. The incident was caused by a fault in the motor’s circuit (tripped busbar). The breaker was replaced.

April 2006Cruise Illness / Virus Outbreaks

April 2006, on the voyage March 26 to April 2, a major Norovirus outbreak (gastrointestinal illness) infected over 200 passengers. All sick suffered from Norovirus symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) and were quarantined to their cabins. The ship was on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami. Strangely, no CDC illness report was issued.

14 June 2005Other Incidents

On June 14, 2005, the shipowner Carnival Corporation was fined USD 65,000 because the company didn’t provide the USCG with the names lists (passengers and crew) and the list of the ports of call.

Because of this incident, two Carnival ships (Victory and Carnival Glory) were also not allowed to dock in the call ports Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas) and San Juan (Puerto Rico). The operator Carnival Cruise Lines blamed the issue on a “computer glitch”.

13 May 2004Crew / Passenger Crimes

On May 13, 2004, disembarkation in Grand Cayman was delayed due to a false bomb threat. The ship search didn’t find any explosives. The crime was traced to an inebriated female passenger, who was arrested, taken into custody by local authorities and later sent back to the USA.

10 February 2003Ship Listing

On February 10, 2003, one of the ship's stabilizers malfunctioned, causing a 5-degree listing (tilt). No injuries were reported.

24 September 2000Ship Collision / Allision

(pier collision) On September 24, 2000, upon leaving homeport NYC (New York City's Manhattan terminal), the vessel’s stern collided with a pier, crushing a portion of it.

Note: Actually, this type of marine accident is called “allision” (striking a fixed object) as opposed to “collision” (striking another vessel).