Have any questions? Call us: Encountered issues on this cruise or another? Carter Capner Law is expert in compensation and insurance claims arising on cruise ships and cruise ship excursions. We act for passengers, crew and their families, worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of cruise ship accident compensation claims.
Introduction
On March 23, 2024, Carnival Freedom experienced a fire in its exhaust funnel’s portside section while navigating approximately 20 miles off Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, was effectively managed and extinguished by the ship’s fire response team.
Details of the Incident
The fire, which began around 15:15 EST, was reportedly triggered by a lightning strike, leading to visible damage on the ship’s funnel and resultant debris falling onto Deck 10. Although the fire was contained and extinguished by 17:20 EST, two crew members received treatment for minor smoke inhalation. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
Operational Context
This fire incident occurred during Carnival Freedom’s 4-day Bahamas Cruise, prompting the cancellation of a scheduled stop at Princess Cays due to weather conditions. Following the incident, the ship proceeded to Freeport, arriving as scheduled the next day. However, the subsequent voyages on March 25 and March 30 were canceled to allow for necessary repairs and safety checks, with affected passengers receiving full refunds and future cruise credits.