Eight passengers, including six Americans and two Australians, were stranded on an African island after missing the boarding time for their Norwegian Cruise. They were on a private tour of São Tomé and missed the all-aboard call at 3 p.m. The cruise line stated that when passengers are late, it is within their right to sail away to stay on time. The group, including a paraplegic, a man with a heart condition, and a pregnant woman, had their passports secured by the cruise line but were left without vital medicines, money, and other belongings on the island. Despite the Coast Guard ferrying them to the ship, they were denied entry by the captain.
The Campbells, a South Carolina couple part of the stranded group, criticized the rigid adherence to rules by the cruise line, stating that the crew had forgotten about their basic duty of care in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers. The group also included an elderly woman, Julie Lenkoff, who suffered a stroke and potential heart attack during the trip. While the cruise line believed it was best for her to go to a local clinic, they did not contact her emergency contacts or arrange for her care. The Campbells took it upon themselves to assist Lenkoff, eventually helping her reach her family in the U.S., and facilitated her transfer for medical treatment.
The stranded passengers eventually caught up to the Norwegian Cruise ship after chasing it through several countries, finally boarding on Wednesday morning. The cruise line stated that the passports of the group were secured with local port agents for retrieval upon their return. However, the Campbells and Lenkoff’s family criticized the lack of assistance provided by the cruise line, both during the incident of passengers being left behind and the medical emergency involving Lenkoff. Lenkoff’s son-in-law praised the Campbells for saving his mother and ensuring she received the necessary medical care.
The Campbells and other stranded passengers expressed frustration with the cruise line’s handling of the situation, feeling that the crew prioritized rules over the well-being of passengers. The cruise line defended their protocols, stating that communication of all-aboard times is done via various channels, and passengers are responsible for returning to the ship on time. Despite the negative experience, the Campbells’ actions in assisting Lenkoff highlighted the importance of fellow passengers stepping in during emergencies when cruise lines may fall short in providing timely and adequate care.
Lenkoff was eventually flown to Stanford Hospital in California, where she received continuous care. Her family expressed gratitude towards the Campbells for their heroic actions in ensuring her safety and well-being during the medical emergency. Norwegian Cruise Line acknowledged the incidents involving the stranded passengers and Lenkoff as unfortunate and expressed their commitment to addressing any concerns raised by the affected individuals. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and assistance from fellow passengers in ensuring the safety and care of individuals during cruise travels.
