Amy Lynn Bradley Went Missing at Sea—What Legal Responsibilities Do Cruise Lines Have When a Passenger Goes Missing?
When 23-year-old Amy Lynn Bradley disappeared from a Royal Caribbean cruise in 1998, her case sparked public outrage—and raised serious legal questions. Over 25 years later, Netflix’s true crime series has brought her story back into focus. But beyond the headlines lies a more urgent issue: what legal duties do cruise ship companies have to protect their passengers?
Cruise lines operate under maritime and admiralty law and are classified as “common carriers,” which means they owe passengers a heightened duty of care. But what happens when someone is injured, assaulted, or goes missing on board? This article breaks down what that duty includes, how jurisdiction works in international waters, and what victims and families can do if a tragedy occurs at sea. If you’re wondering about your cruise ship legal rights after an onboard incident, this is the guide you need.
What Is a Cruise Ship’s Legal Duty to Its Passengers?
Cruise ship companies are legally classified as common carriers, which means they must exercise the highest possible degree of care for passenger safety.
Cruise ships operate like floating cities—providing lodging, transportation, food service, and medical care. That complexity makes their legal obligations especially important.
A cruise ship’s legal duties include:
Maintaining safe public and private areas aboard the ship
Hiring, training, and supervising competent crew
Preventing and responding to crimes like assault, theft, and harassment
Providing emergency medical care and safety equipment
Reporting serious incidents to the proper authorities (FBI, U.S. Coast Guard)
Note: These duties apply regardless of whether the ship is in U.S. or international waters.
What Happens When Someone Goes Missing at Sea on a Cruise?
When a person disappears on a cruise, maritime jurisdiction becomes complicated—delaying investigations and reducing accountability.
In Amy Lynn Bradley’s case, she vanished while between Aruba and Curaçao. The ship was flagged in Norway but operated by a U.S. company, which caused confusion about who was responsible.
Jurisdictional complexity may involve:
The flag state (where the ship is registered)
The port of embarkation or disembarkation
The nationality of the victim and crew
The location of the cruise line’s headquarters
This overlapping jurisdiction makes cruise ship disappearance cases especially difficult to resolve.
What Passenger Safety Laws Apply to Cruise Ships?
The most important federal law protecting cruise ship passengers is the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010.
This law requires cruise lines that dock at U.S. ports and carry 250+ passengers to:
Report serious incidents to the FBI and Coast Guard
Install and maintain surveillance cameras in public areas
Provide access to medical personnel and evidence kits
Train crew on crime scene preservation and emergency response
These rules were created in direct response to real tragedies, including disappearances and sexual assaults on cruise ships.
Can You Sue a Cruise Line for a Missing or Injured Passenger?
Yes—but lawsuits against cruise lines involve complex procedures, strict deadlines, and limited jurisdiction options.
In the Amy Bradley case, her family filed a wrongful death and negligence claim, which was ultimately dismissed for procedural reasons—but the legal question of cruise line liability remains highly relevant.
To pursue a cruise ship injury or disappearance lawsuit:
Notify the cruise line within 180 days (per ticket contract)
File suit within one year in the correct federal jurisdiction (often mandated by a “forum selection clause”)
Work with a qualified maritime personal injury lawyer or cruise ship accident attorney
What Should You Do If Someone Gets Hurt or Disappears on a Cruise Ship?
Take immediate steps to document the incident and preserve your legal rights.
Recommended actions within the first 24–48 hours:
Request a written report from ship security and medical staff
Demand preservation of surveillance footage
Document names and statements of crew and witnesses
Take photographs of relevant locations or conditions
Contact U.S. authorities if applicable (FBI or U.S. Coast Guard)
Contact a maritime attorney to assess your options
Why the Amy Lynn Bradley Case Still Matters Today
Amy’s disappearance exposed the vulnerabilities of cruise ship safety, jurisdictional confusion, and inconsistent emergency responses.
Her case helped bring about federal reforms like the CVSSA—but problems remain, especially in international maritime law.
Takeaway: Understand your legal rights and ticket contract terms before you sail. In emergencies, act fast and get legal advice early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What legal responsibilities do cruise lines have to passengers?
Cruise lines are common carriers and must provide a high standard of safety, medical care, crime prevention, and emergency response.
Who investigates when someone disappears on a cruise ship?
It depends. Jurisdiction could fall to the ship’s flag state, the port authorities, U.S. federal law enforcement, or international agencies.
Can I sue a cruise line for wrongful death?
Yes. If negligence or failure to act contributed to a passenger’s death or disappearance, you may pursue a wrongful death cruise ship lawsuit.
What is the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act?
The CVSSA is a U.S. law that requires cruise ships to report crimes, maintain safety systems, and protect passenger rights on cruises departing from or arriving in U.S. ports.
What are cruise ticket contracts and forum selection clauses?
A cruise ticket is a binding legal contract. It usually includes a forum selection clause requiring any lawsuits to be filed in a specific federal court.
What type of lawyer handles cruise ship injuries or disappearances?
A maritime personal injury lawyer or cruise ship accident attorney has the experience to handle these complex federal cases.