A Louisiana woman sustained catastrophic genital trauma during a rope swing excursion on a Carnival Cruise, leading to extensive medical treatment and significant expenses.
Kirsten Lindsey was on her first-ever cruise when the incident occurred in Honduras. According to reports, the retrieval line of the rope swing became improperly connected, catching Lindsey between her legs as she swung over the water. Her boyfriend, Blake, stated that the line "suddenly tightened between Kirsten’s legs just before she dropped."
What initially appeared to be a minor injury quickly escalated. Over several hours, the area began to swell, causing severe pain and an injury described as being the size of a baseball. Lindsey required over 12 hours of treatment in the ship's medical center, with the couple incurring approximately $4,000 in costs before being permitted to leave the ship.
To receive further treatment, Lindsey and her boyfriend opted for an emergency air evacuation rather than continuing treatment on the ship or traveling to a hospital in Mexico. Blake indicated that the air evacuation from Costa Maya cost around $20,000, with an additional $30,000 for the journey back to the United States. He explained the decision was made because they "believed it was the best way to get Kirsten the care she needed."
Lindsey eventually arrived at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, where she underwent her first of at least two surgeries. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with excursion activities during cruises.