Death at sea: This is how discreetly cruise ships deal with deaths!

Death at sea: This is how discreetly cruise ships deal with deaths!

The cruise industry has grown steadily in recent years and attracts millions of travelers every year. But the dark side of this form of travel is often ignored, especially the issue of deaths on board. It is estimated that between 200 and 250 passengers die on cruise ships every year, a fact that is rarely discussed openly. The most common causes of these deaths are heart attacks and falls, which occur particularly among older guests, as many cruise operators such as AIDA have more pensioners on board in the spring and autumn months. In the summer months, however, it is mainly families with children who travel, which reduces the risk of death, reports Swabian.

The shipping companies provide little information about the exact numbers and circumstances of the deaths. A shocking rumor claims that AIDA calculates the average age of guests to plan the number of coffins needed on board. This is supported by the discretion with which shipping companies deal with such incidents. AIDA's fleet, which began operations in 1999, carries "body bags" for storing the deceased in cold cells near the infirmary. Three to four cooling cells are regularly kept ready for each trip.

Dealing with deaths

The crew generally handles deaths on board discreetly. Staff often use code words to avoid sensitive topics and to protect restricted areas from immediate action. According to the Mercury Shipping companies hardly comment on specific cases, which makes the topic a taboo. If a death occurs, the deceased is usually disembarked at the nearest port and local authorities are informed. Things become particularly tricky if there are doubts about a natural cause of death, as the local authorities in the nearest port then have to be alerted.

Medical care on board meets high standards and ship doctors are bound by international regulations. Nevertheless, the discretion in dealing with deaths is visible. AIDA transports around 1.5 million passengers every year, although the proportion of deaths remains low in percentage terms. Nevertheless, the topic remains sensitive in the industry, as annual booking figures of over two million Germans show that many more guests are considering a cruise.

A tragic isolated case

A particularly tragic incident that drew attention to the problems of cruise shipping was the disappearance of Daniel Küblböck in September 2018. The singer traveled to New York on the AIDAluna and was noticed by his unusual behavior, which is why he was moved to an emergency cabin. After he was declared dead at 8:55 a.m. on September 9, 2018, his body remains unlocated to this day.

As part of this multi-faceted discussion about safety and the handling of deaths on board, it is clear that despite high standards and growing interest, many aspects remain obscure. The industry is faced with the challenge of creating openness and increasing mutual responsibility for the well-being of guests during their travels.