The Daily Mail is reporting that a passenger was kicked off a cruise ship earlier this week after flicking a cigarette butt off of the side of the ship.
The incident happened during a P&O 10 day cruise to Bali when a security officer witnessed a passenger flick his cigarette butt off of the side of the ship. The passenger was told to return to his cabin where he immediately apologized and regretted when he had done.
Since fire on board is the number one concern for safety on a cruise ship, the captain had no choice but to remove the 57 year old man from the cruise at the next port of call.
The P&O health and safety video states that “passengers are never to throw cigarette butts, matches, or cigar ends over the side of the ship or from a cabin balcony. They could easily be blown back onto the ship and start a fire. Remember, you can only smoke in designated smoking areas.”
Why is Cruise Fever reporting about this incident? We feel it is an important reminder on what could happen from a small, careless act from a passenger. In 2006, a fire was started on board the Star Princess due to a smoldering cigarette. One passenger died, 11 others were injured and over 100 staterooms were burned. Our goal is spread the joy of cruising to the world and the safety of the passengers, crew members, and cruise ships needs to remain the #1 priority.
Photo credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons
I have stopped booking balcony rooms on HAL because of smoking on balcony. I love to sit outside, but have had to smell smoke and have had ashes fall or blow back on me. I am an oxygen user and this makes me unable to enjoy the pleasure of a balcony cabin. It is also dangerous.
ALSO, It is against the law to pollute off the edge of any vessel in the water, regardless if it is at the shore or at a dock, refuse must be taken back with you, then properly disposed of.