‘Bruise cruise’ family launch legal fight

A family who made international headlines and were escorted off a cruise ship after a series of wild mid-sea brawl have launched legal action against the company.

A family are suing Carnival PLC.

Members of a family at the centre of a violent mid-sea brawl have launched legal action against the cruise liner.

The Carnival Legend “bruise cruise” garnered worldwide attention after more than 20 members of the same extended family were escorted from the ship mid-voyage following days of fights with security aboard the 10-day South Pacific cruise in February 2018.

The clashes on the pool deck, nightclub and a massive brawl near the restaurant area resulted in some passengers locking themselves in cabins and demanding refunds.

Now, three years on, three members of the family group are suing the cruise company, claiming they were “assaulted and battered” by security staff.

In County Court documents obtained by the Herald Sun, George Barkho and Gabriela and Zaki Zakhour claim Carnival PLC – the operator of Carnival Legend – employed the security staff aboard the ship and therefore are vicariously liable for the alleged assaults and batteries.

Footage of one brawl shows security guards repeatedly kicking a man as he is pinned to the floor before a screaming woman throws herself on top of the restrained man.

Another man in a security uniform can be seen cocking his fist and threatening to punch a woman in the face.

The video footage was broadcast around the world as the “holiday from hell” and made international headlines.

The three plaintiffs are seeking damages, claiming they suffered injury, loss and damage as a result of what they claim are assaults by security.

It is not yet known how much the group will be seeking in damages. Operators of Carnival Legend ejected six men and three teenage boys who were met by a police escort boat at Twofold Bay, Eden, on February 16, 2018.

A further 14 passengers, including women and children, also left the ship voluntarily.

NSW police said at the time they were investigating a fight between several men on-board the cruise ship which occurred while it was about 220km off the coast of Jervis Bay. No charges were ever laid.

Jennifer Vandekreeke, vice-president and general manager of Carnival Cruise Line, said at the time the decision to remove the family members was “unprecedented” and disgruntled passengers were offered a 25 per cent credit.

Robinson Gill Lawyers, who are representing the three plaintiffs, declined to comment.

Carnival PLC said in a statement: “We have not been advised of any action being lodged and do not wish to comment other than to say that, as we did in relation to this incident, we take a zero tolerance approach to on-board behaviour that can affect the safety and enjoyment of other guests.”