Hannah Smith Sues Cruise Line After Losing Both Legs in Excursion Accident

Hannah Smith, a 22-year-old recent graduate of Alabama’s Miles College, has filed a lawsuit over a catastrophic incident she says occurred during a Carnival Cruise graduation trip excursion in the Bahamas last May. According to the complaint, what was supposed to be a celebratory getaway turned into a life-altering emergency near Pearl Island Beach, where Smith alleges a boat propeller struck both of her legs while she was on a Catamaran Ferry outing with a friend.

The lawsuit claims excursion staff served alcohol continuously throughout the day and allegedly encouraged marijuana use during the trip. Smith says guests were given complimentary rum punch upon arriving on the island, and one employee allegedly poured drinks directly into her mouth. The filing also alleges that another staff member encouraged Smith and her friend to smoke marijuana while they were on the excursion.

Near the end of the outing, Smith reportedly became desperate to use the restroom and says staff told her she could get into the water, assuring her the engine had been shut off. The complaint states that she held onto a railing for about 20 seconds before attempting to climb back onto the boat, at which point she says she felt herself being pulled underneath the vessel. Smith alleges the captain engaged an idling engine while she was still in the water, causing the propeller to spin in reverse and strike her legs.

According to the filing, Smith was able to free herself and call for help from her friend, but the injuries were severe. The lawsuit says the propeller nearly severed her left leg below the knee and caused extensive wounds across both legs and her pelvic area. Smith reportedly lost more than 60% of her blood and required emergency medical treatment in Nassau before being transferred to Miami in critical condition.

Despite multiple surgeries and blood transfusions, doctors were unable to save either leg. The complaint says surgeons amputated Smith’s left leg fully and later amputated her right leg below the knee. The injuries have left her facing permanent physical consequences after what she says should have been a celebration marking her college graduation.

Smith’s lawsuit names tour operator Sun Cay, Pearl Investment Management Group, and other parties connected to the excursion, accusing them of negligence and arguing the tragedy could have been prevented. Carnival Cruise is also named in the suit, with Smith claiming the cruise line promoted the excursion as a safe and vetted activity for passengers. The case centers on allegations that the excursion operators failed to protect guests, followed unsafe practices, and created conditions that led to devastating injury.