College graduate sues Carnival after losing both legs in Bahamas excursion accident

Hannah Smith, a summa cum laude graduate of Miles College, is suing Carnival Cruise Line and a Bahamas excursion operator after losing both legs in a catastrophic propeller accident during a 2025 cruise trip. Smith was celebrating her graduation when she was pulled into a spinning propeller after entering the water at the direction of excursion staff.

Smith, a native of Memphis, says she went into the water to use the restroom because an employee told her it was safe. Moments later, she was dragged beneath the catamaran and struck by the propeller as the vessel unloaded passengers in Nassau. The impact caused devastating injuries that led to multiple amputations.

A Celebration That Turned Into a Medical Emergency

Smith had joined the cruise with friends to mark her academic achievement. The excursion, sold through Carnival’s booking platform, was marketed as a relaxing beach day. However, the lawsuit claims staff overserved her alcohol, provided marijuana and created unsafe conditions on the boat.

She later learned she had a “sedating substance” in her system. She also alleges the crew failed to tie off the boat and instead used the engines to hold it in place, creating a dangerous pull beneath the vessel.

More Than 30 Surgeries and a Long Recovery

Rescuers pulled Smith from the water as witnesses saw “a lot of blood.” She was rushed to a hospital in Nassau before being airlifted to Miami. Doctors performed more than 30 surgeries in an effort to save her legs. Despite their efforts, both legs were amputated due to the severity of her injuries.

Smith continues rehabilitation as she adjusts to life after the accident. Her family says she remains strong, determined and deeply loved.

Family Launches GoFundMe to Support Her Recovery

Smith’s relatives created a GoFundMe to help cover overwhelming medical costs, rehabilitation expenses and long‑term care needs. They describe her as “light,” “love,” and “absolutely HER,” and say she is “the strongest of us all.”

In their message, they wrote:

“Our family is facing the unimaginable… Through the grace of God, she’s still with us, but the road ahead is long, filled with surgeries, recovery, and overwhelming medical costs.”

They are asking for prayers, donations and shares to help Hannah rebuild her life. The fundraiser has become a central source of support as she continues her recovery.

Carnival Seeks Dismissal

Carnival is asking a judge to dismiss the lawsuit. The company argues that its booking materials state that shore excursion operators are independent contractors. Smith’s attorneys say Carnival still bears responsibility because it marketed, sold and profited from the excursion.

The case is ongoing.