US2 min(s) read
Published 15:54 07 Jun 2026 GMT
A recent high school graduate is now taking legal action against a cruise handler after she lost both her legs in a freak accident during an excursion on holiday in the Bahamas.
Hannah Smith, now 23, was on a celebratory post-graduation trip with her childhood friend last year when she was sucked beneath a catamaran and struck by the propeller, suffering injuries so horrendous that both her legs had to be amputated.
According to the lawsuit the Memphis native has filed against Carnival Cruise Line and the excursion operators, she lost 60% of her blood in the accident that could have killed her.
It has been alleged by Smith’s attorneys that the young woman was lured and coerced into accepting "complimentary" alcohol and marijuana while on the excursion before they boarded the ferry back to Nassau.
The lawsuit also claims that the catamaran ferry was improperly docked and unsecured, and crew members were inadequately trained.
According to Smith, the incident occurred when a crew member recommended that she enter the water to urinate while the boat was docked.
Brooklyn Pitre, Smith’s friend who witnessed the life-changing accident, said she heard Smith enter the water, then watched her submerge before resurfacing around three seconds later.
Describing the moment to local Memphis outlet WREG, Pitre said: "She was like, get me. And me and another woman had met on the cruise ship during the excursion with us.
"We pulled her out, and then there was like a lot of blood in the water."
The sporty student underwent two surgeries in the Bahamas shortly after the incident in May 2025. She was later flown back to the US for further reconstructive procedures.
However, it is not just the physical impact of losing her legs that will stay with Smith. The attorneys representing her are seeking a jury trial as she has suffered physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, disfigurement, and PTSD as a result of her injuries.
The founding partner of Brais Law Firm, Keith S. Brais, said in a statement: “Our client, Hannah Smith, was a bright, accomplished young woman celebrating a tremendous academic milestone when she suffered these horrific injuries.
“We are fully committed to pursuing justice on her behalf and holding accountable those responsible for the sequence of unsafe decisions that resulted in this life-altering tragedy.”
Reportedly, Carnival Cruise Line is trying to dismiss the case, arguing that it does not own the tour companies that were involved in the excursion where the incident occurred.
