Couple Allegedly Abandoned In Ocean By Snorkeling Ship Suing Tour Company

Two couples claim they were forced to swim half the distance to land after being left in the ocean near a Hawaiian island.

Alexander Burckle, his wife Elizabeth Webster and their snorkeling experience have brought a case against Sail Maui. The couple had traveled with 42 others on a September 2021 snorkeling expedition that started from Lahaina Harbor, Maui. According to the suit, the passengers were told that the boat would be anchored at the first location in the ocean before the ship sailed. However, they were allowed to swim in and around the water. The boat was returned by passengers at various times. according According to the suit, the waves measured eight feet in height.

“It can be really rough water even for people that are experienced in the ocean, much less visitors who may not have any ocean experience or especially not have experience in Hawaiian waters,” Jared A. Washkowitz (the couple’s lawyer) told Buzzfeed News.

One passenger had reported that the couple disappeared after she returned to board the boat. But, the suit claims that a crew member confirmed the claim. According to the lawsuit, three head counts were done. Two of the initial two counted 42 passengers. One passenger reported the couple missing when she reboarded the boat. However, a crew member said the couple was aboard.

“Plaintiffs realized the Vessel had left them and was not coming back for them, and they decided that their only option for survival at that point was to return to shore,” According to the suit, the plaintiff claims that the couple was also liable. “were beginning to panic and were struggling to swim in the ocean conditions.”

According to the lawsuit, they swam half a mile to Lanai. They were tired and dehydrated. “SOS” “HELP” In the sand.

 They were helped by locals. According to the lawsuit, the company was unaware that the couple had disappeared when they contacted them.

“It’s kind of scary to think what would’ve happened if they hadn’t made it,” Washkowitz said. “I’m not sure the company would’ve known about it until family members started asking about it. It’s just kind of a scary thought.”

“They’re not giving any statements because they don’t want to have to relive the incident over and over again,” He added. “They’re both getting psychological treatment. They have anxiety and stress from the incident, and they’re coping the best they can.”

Jessica Herbert, another passenger, said to Good Morning America that boat crew told passengers about her snorkeling trip. “everybody was on … All accounted for, we started to take off, nobody’s looking behind them.”

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