New York Woman Falls Overboard After Overserved Alcohol on Taylor Swift Cruise
A tragic incident occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed cruise in October 2024, leading to a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean. Dulcie White, a 66-year-old woman from Westmoreland, New York, fell overboard while sailing on the Allure of the Seas. Her family contends she was overserved alcohol prior to the incident.
Details of the Incident
Dulcie White was on the cruise with her daughter, Megan Klewin, when she allegedly consumed seven alcoholic drinks within a span of just over six hours. This beverage consumption took place on October 22, 2024, approximately 17 miles north of Nassau, Bahamas. White had purchased the unlimited alcoholic beverages package, reportedly seeking to maximize her experience.
According to information provided by her family, signs of intoxication were evident. Crew members reportedly ignored her condition, which included slurred speech and swaying. Klewin stated, “She was completely intoxicated in a way I haven’t seen before.” Despite these visible signs, alcohol service continued.
Fatal Fall
Shortly before her fall, Dulcie White attempted to store luggage on the balcony of their cabin. Klewin initially believed her mother was retrieving belongings. However, when she turned around, she saw White perched on the balcony railing. Klewin described the moments leading up to the fall, indicating she had little time to react.
The incident occurred around 9:40 p.m., yet despite the alarming situation, the ship did not initiate a search for her. Following the fall, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and US Coast Guard conducted a search operation; however, White’s body has not been located.
Legal Action
On Tuesday, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. It was initiated by White’s husband, Terry, alleging negligence by the cruise line. Their attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, emphasized the dangers associated with the cruise line’s alcohol service practices.
- Dulcie White: 66 years old, from Westmoreland, NY.
- Date of Incident: October 22, 2024.
- Location: 17 miles north of Nassau, Bahamas.
- Number of Drinks Consumed: Seven drinks in six hours and eight minutes.
- Legal Action: Filed in Southern District of Florida.
Aronfeld commented on Royal Caribbean’s alcohol service, stating, “We’re putting the cruise lines on notice: the days of profiting from over-service while passengers die at sea are over.” The family hopes that their case will lead to industry changes, specifically the discontinuation of such drink packages.
The case highlights significant concerns regarding alcohol service in cruise lines and its implications for passenger safety. The tragic loss of Dulcie White has raised awareness about the responsibilities of cruise operators, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations on alcohol consumption at sea.
