Norwegian Cruise Line Faces Criticism for Stranding Passengers and Allegedly Mishandling Medical Emergency
Norwegian Cruise Line is facing backlash after allegedly forcing an 80-year-old woman, Julie Lenkoff, who suffered a stroke and possible heart attack, to medically disembark on an African island and leaving her to die. Lenkoff’s family claims that the cruise line did not contact her emergency contacts and provided limited information during the ordeal.
In addition to Lenkoff’s situation, a group of Americans and Australian passengers were also stranded on the same African island by the cruise line after their tour ran late, with the ship’s captain not allowing them to board. Jay and Jill Campbell, among the stranded passengers, stepped in to help Lenkoff with medical needs, accommodation, and connecting her with her family.
Lenkoff’s family criticized Norwegian Cruise Line for their handling of the situation and accused the company of failing to take responsibility for her care. Despite the cruise line’s statement that Lenkoff was evaluated by their medical team and deemed best to be disembarked for further treatment, her daughter expressed gratitude for the help received from the Campbells and criticized the cruise line for leaving her mother without her belongings or any communication with emergency contacts.
Ultimately, Lenkoff was transported back to the US with the help of the Campbells and other stranded passengers. The cruise line’s full statement acknowledged the situation involving Lenkoff but also addressed the separate incident with the stranded passengers, reiterating their policy on returning to the ship at the published time.
Lenkoff’s family expressed relief that she is back in the US and is improving, highlighting the support received from the Campbells and the stranded passengers in helping her during the ordeal. The incident has sparked a debate on the cruise line’s policies and procedures when dealing with medical emergencies and stranded passengers.
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