George Smith in he News Again

[rogue]

A Miami judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Royal Caribbean by

the family of a man who disappeared from a honeymoon cruise.

Judge Jon I. Gordon granted a motion Monday to dismiss the lawsuit

faulting Royal Caribbean International for its handling of George A.

Smith IV's disappearance more than a year ago.

"It's a setback, of course, but it's not the end," maritime lawyer Brett

Rivkind told Greenwich Time on Thursday. "The Smith family isn't

discouraged. Whether the Smith family won or lost, the issue is going to

be decided in an appellate court."

Royal Caribbean welcomed the dismissal.

"For some time, we have said that a fair, accurate and objective review

of the facts would clearly demonstrate that the lawsuit was completely

baseless," the Miami-based cruise line said in a statement. "The court's

decision upholds the validity of our position. Although we will not be

surprised if the suit is refiled in some amended fashion, we are

confident that the outcome will be the same. We continue to extend our

sympathies to the Smith family for the tragic loss of their son."

Smith, of Greenwich, disappeared from the Brilliance of the Seas while

on a honeymoon cruise in the Aegean Sea on July 5, 2005. His body was

not recovered, though bloodstains were found on an awning underneath the

newlywed's cabin balcony.

The FBI is still investigating.

His disappearance became one of the most publicized cases of a missing

passenger aboard a cruise ship, sparking congressional hearings on

maritime security and a federal bill requiring cruise lines to report

cases of missing passengers and crimes to the Department of Homeland

Security.

Smith's parents and sister believe the 26-year-old Greenwich man was

murdered, and allege in their lawsuit filed in June that the cruise

company tried to cover up the incident to avoid liability and negative

publicity.

Royal Caribbean representatives have said the cruise line exceeded its

legal requirements when it contacted the FBI and other authorities

immediately after learning about Smith's disappearance.

[JoeyandDavid]

exactly how much money are they after? :undecided:

[sailingrose]

RCI made it's peace with Jennifer and the family didn't get any of that settlement. Sounds to me like they are being greedy. I'm truly sorry for the family but RCI has already paid out to the wife, no need to give the parents and sister too.

[Shari2]

Thanks for the information, Howard! I wondered how that came out.

[hazelson]

Usually when money talks justice walks. This is a good outcome for a change.