Bombshell twist as luxury cruise ships now face blockbuster legal action over ‘immoral and offensive’ casino conduct after gambler’s tragic suicide
- Law firm has started an investigation into P&O
- It comes after Daily Mail Australia made allegations of gambling misconduct
- The investigation could lead to a class action
- Do you have a similar story? Contact tita.smith@mailonline.com
EXCLUSIVE
A luxury cruise ship company is being investigated by a leading Australian law firm for “immoral and offensive” gambling behavior after a man fell overboard after racking up a huge casino debt.
Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter, who is also a former national president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, has revealed his firm launched an investigation into P&O Cruises following the death of Shane Dixon, 45, on May 6.
The major announcement comes after Daily Mail Australia revealed Mr Dixon fell to his death after racking up a $9,000 casino debt on board the Pacific Adventure while being offered gambling incentives such as free drinks and a free cruise voucher.
Daily Mail Australia then spoke to several others who shared similarly harrowing stories, including claims they were told self-exclusion was not an option or were questioned and kept on board by staff after being unable to pay their bills.
Mr Carter said P&O’s conduct was demonstrably misleading and deceptive, and preventing passengers and their relatives from disembarking was unlawful.
“Providing free alcohol, offering free cruises for those who gamble more and allowing automatic credit are all examples of egregious behavior,” he said.
Shane Dixon, 45, (pictured) died after losing thousands of dollars on P&O’s Pacific Adventure earlier this month
“Most agree this is immoral and unconscionable, but whatever label you use, it is definitely offensive.”
Mr Carter said none of these actions are generally permitted in Australian locations.
“I accept that these passengers are adults and choose to gamble knowing the risks, but we are talking about practices that exploit vulnerabilities and actively encourage people to lose money,” he said.
‘Strong tactics are then used to recover the debts.’
He also warned P&O that it is illegal to detain people because of debts and that significant compensation must be paid for this.
“The practice of preventing passengers and their families from leaving the ship and interrogating them – even for short periods – while in an Australian port is against the law,” he said.
Mr Carter branded the company’s behavior as ‘immoral’ and ‘unconscionable’. The photo shows the Pacific Adventure returning to Sydney Harbor after being postponed due to the search for Mr Dixon’s body
Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter (pictured) has announced that his firm has launched an investigation into P&O
‘A cruise line must allow a passenger to leave and possibly settle any debts through the courts.’
Mr. Carter said the investigation will delve into the company’s practices and solutions for recovering financial losses incurred by former passengers and compensation for wrongful imprisonment.
“Legal action can be taken in a number of ways and passengers who have been affected have the right to consider this,” he said.
‘Cruising can be a wonderful holiday, but passengers expect a safe and enjoyable cruise without falling victim to exploitative practices.’
Although the investigation is still in its early stages, it could lead to a class action against P&O. Daily Mail Australia has contacted P&O for comment.
For confidential support 24/7, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636