The family of a 66-year-old cruise passenger, Dulcie White, is suing Royal Caribbean, claiming the company’s negligence led to her falling overboard and dying during a five-day Taylor Swift-themed cruise in the Bahamas.
White reportedly fell to her death in front of her daughter, Megan Klewin, after she was allegedly overserved alcohol aboard the Allure of the Seas. Her body has not been recovered.
In a lawsuit filed in the Southern District of Florida on October 28, the family accused Royal Caribbean staff of continuously serving Dulcie alcohol even when she was visibly intoxicated.
The suit stated, “She was swaying, stammering, slurring her speech, had alcohol on her breath, couldn’t keep her composure straight, had glassy eyes, while she was in plain view of the crewmembers. Each of these crewmembers were negligent for continuing to serve her alcoholic beverages in her intoxicated state.”
According to the complaint, White consumed at least seven alcoholic beverages within just over six hours. A fellow passenger eventually stopped her from drinking more and escorted her to her cabin at around 7:30 p.m.
Shortly afterward, Megan saw her mother climb the balcony railing and fall into the ocean below. “She was completely intoxicated in a way I haven’t seen before,” Megan told CBS Miami. “It saddens me that this is my last memory of her.”
The family’s lawsuit includes three claims, over-service of alcohol, negligent search and rescue operation, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
They argue that the Allure of the Seas failed to follow standard man-overboard procedures, alleging that no Williamson or Anderson turn, maneuvers used in emergency rescues, was performed, nor was a rescue boat launched.
Royal Caribbean responded that the crew had immediately alerted authorities in accordance with protocol, but within 24 hours, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force suspended the search.
Dulcie had purchased an all-inclusive “CHEERS!” alcohol package, costing $69.95 per day, which allowed passengers up to 15 alcoholic drinks every 24 hours.
Megan believes the offer may have encouraged her mother to drink excessively. “She was probably just trying to get her money’s worth,” she said. “It will haunt us for the rest of our lives. I feel the overconsumption of alcohol and the over-service of alcohol was the cause of this.”
Attorney Spencer Aronfeld, representing the family, told PEOPLE, “We believe Royal Caribbean is putting profits ahead of passenger safety with these all-you-can-drink packages. We hope to hold them fully accountable for Dulcie’s death and inspire industry change.”
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said the company would not be commenting further on the ongoing legal matter.
