Lawsuit Alleges Carnival's 'Hand-Selected' Excursion Operators Drugged and Maimed Recent College Graduate
A recently filed amended complaint alleges that Carnival Corporation's hand-selected tour operators spiked a 22-year-old summa cum laude graduate's drinks with a date-rape drug, directed her into the water, and then engaged the boat's propellers, causing catastrophic injuries including bilateral leg amputations.
A lawsuit filed against Carnival Corporation, its excursion operators Pearl Island and Sun Cay, details a harrowing incident that left a recent college graduate with permanent bilateral leg loss. The amended complaint, filed by Brais Law Firm and Scolaro, P.A., alleges that on May 12, 2025, just two weeks after Hannah Smith graduated summa cum laude, she was plied with alcohol and drugs during Carnival's 'Pearl Island Beach Escape with Lunch' excursion in Nassau, Bahamas, and then directed into the water where the ferry's propeller caused catastrophic injuries.
According to the complaint, Carnival's website represented that it 'hand-selected the best local providers at every port of call' and that its operators were 'reliable [and] reputable' with the 'best reputation.' However, the complaint alleges that upon arrival at Pearl Island, bartenders immediately served Smith and her companions copious amounts of alcohol, including a 16 oz. rum punch and three forced 'liter pours'—inverted plastic bottles of alcohol poured directly into her mouth. The drinks were allegedly spiked with a drug-facilitated sexual assault substance, and her estimated blood alcohol content exceeded four times the legal limit.
The complaint further alleges that during the return trip on a Sun Cay catamaran ferry, Smith asked a crewmember for a restroom and was told to 'use the water,' consistent with earlier instructions. Grossly impaired, she entered the water from the ferry's aft dive platform. The captain, with an unobstructed view, then engaged the ferry's engine in reverse, causing the propeller to suck Smith into it. The propeller amputated her left leg below the knee and caused catastrophic injuries to her right leg, ultimately requiring three successive amputations culminating in a complete hip disarticulation—removal of the entire right leg.
Smith lost over 60% of her total blood volume, underwent more than 25 surgeries, and was hospitalized for over two months. Her medical care is alleged to exceed $10 million. The complaint cites prior reviews documenting excessive alcohol service, marijuana distribution, and unsafe ferry practices dating back at least six years. One review titled 'Avoid this dangerous dump' warned guests to 'avoid if you value your safety.' Carnival is accused of deleting and suppressing negative passenger reviews from its website.
The lawsuit asserts claims against Carnival for negligent selection and retention of excursion operators, failure to warn, and apparent agency, among others. Direct negligence claims against Pearl Island and Sun Cay include overservice of alcohol, distribution of controlled substances, and drug-facilitated sexual assault spiking. Both Pearl Island and Sun Cay have filed motions to dismiss, arguing lack of personal jurisdiction.
Despite her devastating injuries, Smith has chosen to advocate for others. In 2026, she spoke as a keynote survivor at the HCA Florida Trauma Survivors Luncheon. 'This is not just a case about one young woman's injuries—devastating as they are,' said co-counsel Thomas Scolaro. 'It is about an industry practice of placing revenue over passenger safety and hiding the evidence.'