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Ruby Princess passengers launch class action
The passengers embroiled in the Ruby Princess debacle have filed a class action over the mishandling of a deadly coronavirus outbreak onboard.
Naomi Neilson
Shine Lawyers has filed a class action against Carnival plc and Princess Cruise Lines Ltd on behalf of passengers, their families and the estates of those who tragically died onboard the Ruby Princess following the mismanagement of a coronavirus outbreak.
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Class actions practice leader Vicky Antzoulatos said it is alleged the defendants broke Australian consumer laws by breaching consumer guarantees by engaging in conduct that was misleading and deceptive. The firm is also alleging operators were negligent and failed in their duty of care to provide passengers with a safe cruise.
“We say the owner and operator knew of the risks that passengers may contract [the] coronavirus before the ship left and they failed to take steps to ensure the passengers were safe and protected,” Ms Antzoulatos said in a statement.
More than 20 people died, and many remain gravely ill as a result of the outbreak. The 2,700 passengers who travelled on the Ruby Princess at the time of the outbreak are eligible to join the class action, as are the relatives who suffered psychiatric injuries.
“People [onboard] the ship trusted Carnival to do the right thing but they were not told about the risk of coronavirus and some paid the ultimate price for it,” Ms Antzoulatos said.
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