“Man overboard” is becoming an increasingly common cry on cruises these days. Well, no one actually screams “man overboard” but the next day, when the Coast Guard vessels are out combing the waters, the headlines sure do.
But here’s something less common. Rare, actually. Last week, authorities actually found the body of 22-year-old Elizabeth Galeana, who had — and I quote authorities here — “accidentally” fallen off Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas.
Galeana, who lived in Naples, was reported missing July 25. She was last seen while the ship was en route to Naples, Italy, from the port of Civitavecchia, near Rome. Her sister reported her missing about seven hours later.
This is, of course, tragic — but no less tragic than the many other disappearances in which a body wasn’t found.
Cruise lines can’t control what each passenger does, nor should they be expected to. But when bodies start washing ashore, then they become tangible reminders that something needs to be done to prevent this from happening again.
Even if it just means reminding passengers to stay away from the rails when they’ve had a couple of drinks.
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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