A federal lawsuit filed in the Southern District of Florida alleges that Carnival Corporation is responsible for catastrophic injuries sustained by Hannah Smith, a 22-year-old who lost both legs after being struck by a ferry propeller during a shore excursion. The incident occurred on May 12, 2025, during the "Pearl Island Beach Escape with Lunch" excursion in Nassau, Bahamas.
The amended complaint, filed by Brais Law Firm and Scolaro, P.A., claims that Carnival represented on its website that it "hand-selected the best local providers at every port of call" and that its operators were "reliable [and] reputable." The excursion was operated by Carnival's shoreside contractors, Pearl Investment Management Group, Ltd. and Sun Cay, Ltd., as part of the "Carnival Adventures" program.
According to the complaint, upon arrival at Pearl Island, bartenders served Smith and her companions excessive amounts of alcohol, including a 16 oz. complimentary rum punch and three "liter pours"—inverted plastic bottles of alcohol poured directly into her mouth. The drinks were allegedly spiked with a drug-facilitated sexual assault substance, and marijuana was also provided. This occurred within about 71 minutes, and Smith's estimated blood alcohol content exceeded four times the legal limit.
During the return trip on the Sun Cay Catamaran Ferry, Smith asked to use a restroom and was told to "use the water," consistent with earlier instructions that "the ocean is your toilet." Grossly impaired, she entered the water from the ferry's aft dive platform. The captain, who had an unobstructed view, engaged the engine in reverse, and the propeller sucked Smith in, causing immediate traumatic amputation of her left leg below the knee and catastrophic injuries to her right leg, ultimately requiring three successive amputations culminating in a complete hip disarticulation.
Smith lost over 60% of her total blood volume, underwent more than 25 surgeries, and was hospitalized for over two months. Her medical care is alleged to exceed $10 million. The complaint notes that complaints about extreme alcohol overservice and marijuana distribution on this excursion predated Smith's injuries by at least six years, with prior reviews documenting unsafe practices. Carnival's own bridge officers could allegedly observe dangerous ferry practices from the Carnival Celebration at the Nassau pier. The complaint further alleges Carnival deleted and suppressed negative passenger reviews of this excursion from its website.
The lawsuit asserts claims against Carnival for negligent selection and retention, negligent supervision, failure to warn, and other counts. Direct negligence claims are asserted against Pearl Island and Sun Cay. Both contractors have filed motions to dismiss asserting lack of personal jurisdiction.
Keith S. Brais, Board Certified Admiralty and Maritime Attorney and lead counsel, stated, "Hannah graduated summa cum laude and was two weeks into celebrating that achievement when Carnival's own hand-selected operators spiked her drinks with a substance used to impair intended victims, poured alcohol down her throat, and then directed a grossly impaired young woman into the water alongside a ferry whose captain was using running engines to hold the vessel in position because it had never been properly tied off."
Thomas Scolaro, co-counsel, added, "This is not just a case about one young woman's injuries—devastating as they are. It is about an industry practice of placing revenue over passenger safety and hiding the evidence of that choice."
Despite her injuries, Smith spoke as a keynote survivor at the HCA Florida Trauma Survivors Luncheon in 2026, addressing medical professionals and fellow survivors. Her remarks were featured by LiveNOW from FOX, available at LiveNOW FOX Article.
The attorneys are seeking witnesses with knowledge of excessive alcohol service, drug use, or unsafe practices on the excursion. More information is available on Brais Law Firm's website.
