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Newsroom: Press Releases

Lautenberg Statement on Carnival Cruise Ship Breakdown

Senator Chairs Senate Panel With Jurisdiction Over Cruise Ship Safety & Security

Lautenberg Press Office, 202-224-3224
Thursday, March 14, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) released a statement today after a Carnival Cruise Lines ship was stranded at a Caribbean port due to mechanical problems.  This breakdown was the latest in a series of problems for the cruise ship industry.  Lautenberg is Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security, which has jurisdiction over cruise ship safety and security. 

“This latest cruise ship breakdown raises serious concerns about the industry's ability to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for its passengers,” Lautenberg said.  “The ongoing mechanical problems, crashes, and health scares aboard cruise ships indicate potentially serious problems with safety standards or enforcement.  Cruises are for families and friends to relax and enjoy life, and we owe it to the public to look into this industry and ensure that safety never takes a vacation.” 

In March 2012, Senator Lautenberg participated in a Senate Commerce Committee hearing examining the cruise ship industry. The oversight hearing was called in response to the wreck of the Costa Concordia cruise ship in Italy and ongoing cruise ship safety issues.

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