Cruise passenger sues Royal Caribbean after storm battered ship

A passenger who was aboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas when hurricane-force winds hit the ship earlier this month is suing the cruise line after being "knocked unconscious".

In a lawsuit filed in Florida, Bruce Simpson accuses the captain and crew of being aware of the storm and putting everyone on board at risk.

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According to ABC News, the lawsuit reads: "Royal Caribbean is directly responsible and liable for its actions and the actions of its crew, including the captain, for choosing to sail into a hurricane-force storm."

The storm hit a Florida and Bahamas cruise holiday after around 4,500 passengers boarded in New Jersey. It struck off North Carolina as 30ft waves and 100mph winds battered the ship.

Passengers were told to stay in their cabins as the ship encountered rough seas during the seven-day voyage.

Simpson says he was forced to hold on to the bed while his husband held on to a sofa.

The lawsuit reads that when he stood up to use the toilet, the ship shook so violently that violently that he was "hurled across the room with such force that he was knocked unconscious".

He allegedly suffered from concussion, a cruise on his left eye, an injured wrist and bruising to his neck, ribs and torso.

The Miami Herald reports that Simpson alleged that when he called the ship's medical number he was told they were attending to other passengers and because he was breathing and not bleeding, he would need to wait until the storm calmed to seek help.

He is seeking recovery of unspecified damages which include alleged physical injury, physical pain and suffering.

Royal Caribbean said it does not comment on pending litigation.

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