Family of Pennsylvania Man Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Norwegian Cruise Line Over Drowning at Horseshoe Bay Beach
The wife, children, and mother of a Pennsylvania man who drowned while attempting to save another swimmer during a cruise excursion in Bermuda have filed a wrongful death and emotional distress lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line. The case, Yanli Gong et al. v. NCL (Bahamas), Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21385-CMA), alleges that NCL misrepresented the safety of its Horseshoe Bay Beach excursion and failed to warn passengers of hazardous currents and the lack of lifeguards—despite a history of drownings at the site.
Cruise Passenger Drowns Saving Another Swimmer at NCL-Promoted Beach in Bermuda
On March 27, 2024, during a weeklong Bermuda cruise aboard the Norwegian Getaway, Hyon Duk Shin and his family visited Horseshoe Bay Beach through a Norwegian Cruise Line-recommended shore excursion. While swimming near shore, Mr. Shin noticed another young girl being pulled away by the current. He swam out to rescue her—successfully—but was overcome by the same rip current and drowned.
His wife, Yanli “Ashley” Gong, their two minor children, and his mother, Kwang Shin, were present on the beach and witnessed the tragedy unfold. They claim there were no lifeguards on duty and no visible warnings about the beach’s notoriously dangerous currents and undertows.
Lawsuit Alleges Norwegian Misled Passengers With Claims of Safety, “Easy” Activity Rating
The plaintiffs argue that Norwegian Cruise Line promoted the Horseshoe Bay Beach Transfer as an “Easy” excursion and part of a “controlled environment” selected and monitored by the cruise line. According to the complaint:
- NCL failed to disclose the frequent rip currents, history of drownings, and lack of lifeguards.
- NCL marketed the excursion as safe for families, with a difficulty rating of “1 – Easy.”
- NCL knew or should have known about dangerous ocean conditions, including through weather reports, government warnings, tourism reviews, and prior fatalities at the same beach.
- Despite this, NCL offered no specific warnings before disembarkation or on the date of the incident.
Family Seeks Damages for Wrongful Death, Gross Negligence, and Emotional Trauma
The lawsuit includes seven counts:
- General Negligence
- Gross Negligence
- Negligent Failure to Warn
- Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress
- Negligent Misrepresentation
- Breach of Non-Delegable Duty
- Violation of the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
The family seeks compensation for Mr. Shin’s wrongful death, funeral and transportation costs, lost income, and household support. The surviving plaintiffs also claim damages for post-traumatic stress, insomnia, depression, and physical symptoms caused by the emotional trauma of witnessing the drowning and rescue attempts.
Drowning at Cruise Excursion Spot Highlights Longstanding Safety Concerns
The complaint documents a long history of drownings and near-drownings at Horseshoe Bay Beach, including cruise passengers who died while visiting the area. Government and local agencies have issued repeated warnings about rip currents on Bermuda’s south shore beaches, particularly outside the May–October lifeguard season.
Notable prior incidents include:
- August 2022: Carnival cruise passenger Judy Severe drowned at Horseshoe Bay
- 2017: American tourist found unconscious while snorkeling at the same beach
- 2014: Connecticut woman fatally knocked down by a wave
Despite these patterns, plaintiffs allege NCL continued to market the location without meaningful safety modifications or disclosure.
Cruise Death Lawsuit Could Impact How Cruise Lines Vet and Market Shore Excursions
This case joins a rising wave of litigation where cruise lines are being held responsible not only for shipboard incidents but for fatalities and injuries during off-ship excursions they promote. Legal observers note:
- Theories of apparent agency and non-delegable duty are increasingly used to pierce disclaimers about third-party operators.
- The Death on the High Seas Act allows compensation for wrongful deaths occurring beyond U.S. territorial waters.
- Cruise lines may face renewed pressure to modify excursion descriptions and implement real-time risk management when excursions involve open-water activities.
Lost a Loved One During a Cruise Excursion? Understand Your Legal Options
If you or a family member were seriously injured or lost their life during a cruise-sponsored excursion, you may have legal recourse—even if the incident occurred offshore.
Cruise lines may be held liable for failing to warn about known risks or for misrepresenting the safety of destinations they promote.
Contact a maritime wrongful death attorney to explore your rights and seek justice under U.S. maritime law and the Death on the High Seas Act.
