The tragedy of a passenger dying on a cruise ship is a heart-wrenching occurrence, and not one that happens often. However, when it does happen, there is a protocol that must be followed to ensure the safety of those still onboard and to honor the deceased with dignity.
First, the captain of the ship must be notified immediately if anyone dies onboard. The captain will then contact the relevant authorities, such as the local police or coast guard.
Depending on where the ship is cruising, different laws may apply which dictate what must be done next. For instance, if a death occurs while in international waters, the captain will be obliged to contact an official coroner who can then conduct an investigation and determine cause of death.
If any medical assistance was required prior to death occurring then this too must be recorded in order for it to be investigated further if necessary. In some cases, passenger’s families may request that their loved one’s body is repatriated back home for burial; however this will depend on local port regulations as some places may require additional paperwork before allowing it.
Once the deceased has been removed from the vessel and any investigation has been completed (if necessary), then life goes back to normal for passengers still onboard and crew members alike. Cruise ships may even offer free counseling services for passengers who are affected by witnessing such a tragedy.
Conclusion:
When someone dies whilst onboard a cruise ship there is an established protocol that must be followed in order to ensure safety and respect for all involved. This includes contacting authorities such as local police or coastguard, gathering medical evidence if required and repatriating bodies back home when requested by families.