A prominent Australian law firm has launched an investigation into a well-known luxury cruise ship company, P&O Cruises. The investigation comes in the wake of the tragic death of Shane Dixon, 45, who fell overboard after accumulating a significant casino debt on the Pacific Adventure. The incident has sparked widespread concern and prompted Carter Capner Law, led by director Peter Carter, to delve deeper into the company’s practices.
Peter Carter, a former national president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, announced that his firm is investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr. Dixon’s death, which occurred on May 6. According to Carter, Mr. Dixon had amassed a $9000 casino debt while being enticed with gambling incentives, including free drinks and cruise vouchers. The revelation has raised questions about the cruise line’s gambling policies and their potential impact on passengers.
Several other passengers have come forward with similar stories, sharing their distressing experiences with Daily Mail Australia. They reported being denied the option of self-exclusion from gambling and even being detained and interrogated by staff when unable to settle their debts. These accounts have amplified the scrutiny on P&O Cruises and their treatment of passengers.
Peter Carter has labeled the conduct of P&O Cruises as misleading and deceptive. He pointed out that providing free alcohol and offering incentives to gamble more, coupled with automatic credit extensions, are examples of unethical behavior. Such practices, he noted, are generally prohibited in Australian venues, further highlighting the discrepancies in P&O’s operations.
Carter emphasized that while adults have the right to gamble, the practices of P&O Cruises exploit vulnerabilities and encourage passengers to incur significant losses.
The subsequent use of aggressive tactics to recover debts has been condemned as unacceptable and potentially illegal. Carter warned that detaining passengers for unpaid debts is unlawful and could result in substantial compensation claims.
The investigation by Carter Capner Law aims to uncover the full extent of P&O Cruises’ practices and to seek solutions for affected passengers. Carter underscored the illegality of detaining passengers and their families, even for brief periods, while in Australian ports. He described the company’s actions as ‘immoral’ and ‘unconscionable,’ particularly in light of the tragic consequences witnessed in Mr. Dixon’s case.
There is a possibility of a class action against P&O Cruises. This would offer affected passengers a chance to seek redress and compensation for their financial losses and any unlawful imprisonment. The law firm’s efforts are geared towards ensuring that passengers’ rights are upheld and that such exploitative practices are brought to light and addressed.
Peter Carter expressed hope that the investigation will lead to significant changes in how cruise lines operate, ensuring that passengers can enjoy their holidays without falling victim to predatory practices. He emphasized that cruising should be a safe and enjoyable experience, free from undue pressures and exploitative tactics.
The investigation is still in its early stages, but it has already garnered considerable attention and support. As more passengers come forward with their stories, the potential for a collective legal action grows stronger.
