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They wanted to enjoy their honeymoon, but then a snorkeler’s nightmare became a tragic reality for a couple from California. In the middle of the sea they were forgotten.
In September 2021, according to court documents seen by NBC, Alexander Burckle and Elizabeth Webster were part of a 44-member snorkeling group that toured from the port of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui. While the two remained in the water, they suddenly realized that the ship was getting further and further away from them. They were left alone. The Californians have now filed a $5 million lawsuit against the excursion company.
At first they wanted to swim behind the ship and tried to reach it with all their might, but the water became more and more turbulent. The ship drifted further and further away from them. Realizing that the crew would not return to them, the pair saw their only chance of survival as swimming to shore on Lanai Island, despite the pre-departure safety briefing specifically advising them not to do so. According to their lawyer, they panicked and thought they were about to drown. Yes, they did indeed manage to make it to the deserted beach of Lanai. The man then tried to write “SOS” and “Help” in the sand to get help.
Counted wrong twice
According to the lawsuit, the flight crew apparently double-counted whether all passengers were back on board. Both times the number came out too small. The third time, they had the correct number and continued their tour to the second venue, the couple’s attorney said. The snorkeling company has not set a time limit for snorkeling, nor has it taken any other measures to ensure that no one is forgotten.
The poor organization was also criticized by other passengers. A woman told the Hawaii News Now portal that the passengers kept moving during the count, causing confusion.
The forgotten couple was eventually picked up by a local. They were dehydrated and exhausted. The pair are now seeking financial compensation for general damages and emotional distress. (A)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
