The fiancée of Michael Virgil, a man who tragically died aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Connie Aguilar claims that the cruise line overserved him alcohol and failed to ensure his safety.
Michael, 35, was on a trip from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico, with family when he became disoriented and agitated after consuming over 30 drinks. According to the lawsuit, crew members tackled him and restrained him with their body weight. This resulted in what was described as prolonged restraint that affected his breathing.
The crew’s response escalated when they used a sedative and pepper spray, which, as the lawsuit suggests, led to his respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. An examination by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later ruled his death a homicide, attributing it to mechanical asphyxia, alcohol intoxication, and other health issues.
Eyewitness accounts, including video footage, captured Michael in distress and behaving erratically, which raises questions about the crew’s training and judgment in handling such situations. A passenger noted, “He just needed some help,” emphasizing that no one should experience a tragic end like this.
The lawsuit points out that Royal Caribbean should have recognized the signs of intoxication and acted to prevent further alcohol service. It claims that maritime law obliges cruise lines to monitor and assist passengers who may harm themselves or others.
Adding to the discussion, experts emphasize that incidents like this raise broader concerns about alcohol consumption on cruises. A 2021 survey indicated that 41% of cruise passengers reported having had too much to drink while at sea. This suggests a pattern of behavior that calls for stricter measures and better staff training on recognizing intoxication.
As this case unfolds in federal court in Miami, it raises critical questions about passenger safety and corporate responsibility in the cruise industry. For more details on maritime law and passenger rights, the U.S. Coast Guard provides valuable resources.
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