Carnival to Reimburse U.S. for Cruise Ship Rescues

Carnival is willing to repay the U.S. government an unspecified amount for the costs to taxpayers of responses to disabling accidents on its Triumph and Splendor cruise ships.

Carnival released the following statement on the federal government reimbursement: Carnival Corporation is in the process of voluntarily submitting payment to the U.S. Treasury Department to reimburse the federal government for costs related to the Carnival Triumph and Splendor incidents.  It should be clearly noted that at no point in time has Carnival stated it would refuse to reimburse federal agencies if they sought remuneration.  Although no agencies have requested remuneration, the company has made the decision to voluntarily provide reimbursement to the federal government.

U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller estimated the U.S. Coast Guard's costs in dealing with the crippled Triumph earlier this year at nearly $780,000. The 2010 engine fire that left the Splendor adrift off Mexico reportedly cost the Coast Guard and U.S. Navy about $3.4 million.

According to Fox News, Carnival released letters last week responding to the West Virginian senator stating that its policy in such situations is to honor maritime tradition requiring assistance to those in need at sea from all maritime interests. Carnival also noted that it frequently participates in rescues at Coast Guard request and strongly defended its safety record. In both cases, Carnival gave passengers refunds, free cruise vouchers and other forms of reimbursement.

Rockefeller is contemplating holding hearings or proposing legislation surrounding these incidents.