What started as a celebratory graduation getaway quickly turned into a nightmare that allegedly changed one young woman’s life forever. Now, Hannah Smith is speaking out through a lawsuit that details a horrifying incident during a tropical excursion she claims spiraled dangerously out of control.
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Bahamas Excursion Ends In Life-Changing Injuries
According to court documents, the 22-year-old college graduate suffered catastrophic injuries after a boat propeller allegedly tore through both of her legs during a Catamaran Ferry excursion near Pearl Island Beach in the Bahamas last May. Hannah Smith claims the incident happened while she was on a Carnival Cruise graduation trip with a friend following her recent graduation from Alabama’s Miles College.
The lawsuit alleges excursion staff continuously supplied guests with alcohol throughout the day and even encouraged marijuana use during the outing. Smith claims workers provided complimentary rum punch as soon as guests arrived on the island, with one employee allegedly pouring drinks directly into her mouth. Court filings also allege another staff member encouraged her and her friend to smoke marijuana during the excursion.
Lawsuit Details Horrific Moment Boat Propeller Struck Smith
According to the complaint, Smith became desperate to use the restroom toward the end of the trip and says staff encouraged her to get into the water to relieve herself, allegedly assuring her the boat’s engine had been shut off. The lawsuit states Smith held onto a railing for roughly 20 seconds while in the water before trying to climb back aboard when she suddenly felt herself being pulled underneath the vessel.
The filing claims the boat’s captain engaged an idling engine while Smith remained in the water, causing the propeller to spin in reverse and strike her legs. Smith reportedly managed to free herself before pleading for help from her friend. The lawsuit describes devastating injuries, alleging the propeller nearly severed Smith’s left leg below the knee and caused severe wounds across both legs and her pelvic area.
Smith Files Lawsuit After Doctors Amputated Both Legs
The situation quickly escalated into a medical emergency as Smith lost more than 60% of her blood, and medical teams rushed her to a hospital in Nassau before transferring her to Miami in critical condition. Despite multiple surgeries and blood transfusions, doctors were ultimately unable to save either leg. According to the complaint, surgeons fully amputated her left leg and later amputated her right leg below the knee.
Smith sues tour operator Sun Cay, Pearl Investment Management Group, and others tied to the excursion, alleging negligence and saying they could have prevented the tragedy. She also names Carnival Cruise in the lawsuit, claiming the cruise line promoted the excursion as a safe and vetted activity for passengers.
