The final report on an explosion on the Cunard owned Queen Mary 2 cruise ship last year was released earlier this week. According to the investigators, the U.K.'s Marine Accident Investigation Branch, the explosion was due to the deterioration of capacitors. The purpose of capacitors is to store energy. The location of the explosion was a main switchboard room.

As a result of the explosion, in addition to a blackout, all of the ship's propulsion motors stopped working. This caused the boat to drift. Fortunately the vessel did not run aground or into any other boats. Even more fortunate, no one was injured in the accident. At the time of the explosion there were 3,823 individuals on the ship.

If anyone had been injured in the explosion or the ensuing aftermath, the injured parties could have brought a claim against the cruise line for damages. Injuries that occur while at sea do not go through the same system as those do that occur on land. Instead, they are governed by maritime law. Under maritime law, claims against cruise ships need to be brought against the company that owns the ship, not an insurer.

The end result in a successful personal injury claim under maritime law is similar to what it would be in a regular personal injury lawsuit. In a successful case the injured party may recover compensation for a variety of matters including lost wages and medical bills.

Because there is a limited time in which the claims can be filed, it is important to consult an experienced maritime attorney in a timely manner.

Source: USA Today, "Investigators: Machinery at fault in Queen Mary 2 explosion," Gene Sloan, Dec. 22, 2011