Many residents of the Los Angeles area are familiar with the Queen Mary. The vessel that once sailed the seas under the flag of the United Kingdom is now a Long Beach, California, floating hotel. In addition, the permanently moored vessel houses shopping and dining venues. Since 1936, the year of its maiden voyage, the vessel has been the scene of, or involved in numerous accidents. Sadly some of these accidents have caused fatal injuries.

The most recent accident on the Queen Mary happened earlier this month. A 26-year-old woman, who was on board the ship with her boyfriend, fell from the deck to the cold water, 75 feet below. Three people including her boyfriend and two police officers jumped in to try to save her. She was taken to the hospital where it was reported she died from blunt force trauma.

The three rescuers were also taken to the hospital to be treated for hypothermia.

It is not clear what caused the woman to fall from the ship. Initial reports indicated that she was fighting with her boyfriend when the incident occurred. Her family disputes that report however stating that she accidentally fell while a photo was being taken of her sitting on the railing. The couple had reportedly consumed several alcoholic beverages before arriving at the ship.

The incident is currently under investigation. At this time it is being treated as an accident.

Accidents happen around us every day. Cruise ships are not an exception. Under certain circumstances, when an accident occurs on board a ship, compensation can be recovered. Because maritime law applies to accidents when they occur on board a vessel on the water, it is important to consult an experience maritime attorney.

Source: Los Angeles Times, "Family: Woman who fell off Queen Mary wasn't arguing with boyfriend," Dec. 12, 2011