ICCL Responds to MarEx News Report on "Passenger Deaths"
Dear Editor,
There were several inaccuracies in the Jan. 19 issue of MarEx newsletter article "Passenger deaths a concern for cruise industry" (originally published by Donna Balancia in Florida Today).
In particular, passenger and crewmembers are indeed screened on every cruise ship sailing to and from the United States, as per federal law (the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act). Every person on board - passengers and crew - are listed on the official ship manifest that is submitted to the federal authorities prior to departure and arrival in U.S. ports, and checked against federal law enforcement databases. In addition, foreign crewmembers on cruise ships visiting U.S. ports are required to hold U.S. visas and are therefore subject to background checks by the U.S. State Department.
We also caution the author not to speculate on the cause of the disappearance of George Smith, as still undetermined and under investigation by the FBI.
The International Council of Cruise Lines and its member lines send their condolences and sympathies to those that have lost loved ones and affirm that while these instances are rare, they are taken very seriously. Cruise lines have an obligation to act compassionately and responsibly while working with the affected families and the proper law enforcement authorities when an accusation of a crime occurs. Often, cruise lines do not publicly disclose detailed information out of respect for the grieving family and/or an ongoing law enforcement investigation.
The highest priority of the cruise industry is the safety and security of its passengers and crew. Cruising remains one of the safest vacation options with an outstanding record of safety and security and operates within a strict legal framework under U.S. and international law. More than 11 million people safely enjoyed cruise vacations worldwide in 2005 and we look forward to even more people cruising this year. The industry will continue to do its part to maintain a safe, secure and healthy shipboard environment.
Respectfully,
J. Michael Crye
President
International Council of Cruise Lines