Florida Passenger Sues Celebrity Cruises After Hitting Head on Exposed Bolt Aboard Tender Boat from Celebrity Solstice
A Florida man has filed a maritime negligence lawsuit against Celebrity Cruises after allegedly striking his head on an exposed metal bolt during a tender boat transfer from the Celebrity Solstice. The lawsuit, Dennis Valente v. Celebrity Cruises Inc. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21407-RAR), accuses the cruise line of failing to warn passengers of known hazards, failing to inspect its vessels, and negligently maintaining unsafe tender boat conditions.
Passenger Alleges Head Injury from Exposed Bolt on Tender Boat Returning to Ship
According to the complaint, on April 29, 2024, Dennis Valente was a paying passenger aboard the Celebrity Solstice when he boarded a tender boat to return to the vessel while it was anchored in port. During the journey, the tender allegedly lurched forward without warning, causing Valente to be thrown from his seat and strike his head on a protruding, exposed metal bolt located in or near the ceiling of the boat.
Valente sustained permanent injuries, required medical treatment, and continues to experience scarring and other long-term effects as a result of the impact.
Complaint Alleges Cruise Line Failed to Warn of Known Hazard and Negligently Maintained Vessel
The lawsuit asserts multiple legal theories under general maritime law, including:
- Negligent Failure to Warn – For failing to notify passengers of the presence of a hazardous exposed bolt in a passenger area.
- Vicarious Liability – For the actions of Celebrity’s crewmembers who allegedly failed to correct or address the danger.
- General Negligence – For failing to implement adequate maintenance policies, industry-compliant safety inspections, or staff training.
The plaintiff also alleges that Celebrity knew or should have known of the bolt’s existence through prior inspections, maintenance, or similar incidents fleetwide.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Long-Term Physical and Emotional Injuries
The complaint states that Valente’s injuries have caused:
- Ongoing physical pain and bodily harm
- Mental and emotional distress
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life and cruise value
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
He also seeks compensation for lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and the lost benefit of his vacation and cruise experience.
Tender Boat Injury Adds to Growing Trend of Cruise Transfer Hazard Litigation
This lawsuit adds to a broader legal trend involving injuries sustained during cruise ship tender operations—particularly in cases involving:
- Sudden vessel movement in open water
- Poorly maintained passenger seating and fixtures
- Lack of warning about onboard hazards
- Crew failure to supervise or secure transfer areas
Courts have repeatedly held that cruise lines owe passengers a duty of reasonable care, including when passengers are aboard tenders operated or controlled by the cruise line. Legal experts expect this case to center on Celebrity’s tender maintenance protocols and whether the hazard should have been obvious to the company.
Injured During a Cruise Tender Transfer? Know Your Rights Under Maritime Law
If you suffered an injury aboard a tender boat while traveling to or from a cruise ship, you may have a legal claim under U.S. maritime law.
Cruise lines are required to inspect and maintain vessels—including tenders—for passenger safety, and they may be held liable for failing to remedy known hazards.
Contact a maritime injury attorney to learn more about your rights to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and lasting injury after a cruise-related accident.
