A luxury cruise ship company is under investigation by a leading Australian law firm over ‘immoral and offensive’ gambling conduct after a man fell overboard after racking up a massive casino debt.
Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter, who is also a former national president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, has revealed his company has launched an investigation into P&O Cruises after 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 amassing a $9000 casino debt onboard the Pacific Adventure while being offered gambling incentives such as free drinks and a free cruise voucher.
Daily Mail Australia subsequently spoke to several others who shared similar harrowing stories, including claims they were told self-exclusion was not an option or were interrogated and held onboard by staff after being unable to settle their bills.
Mr Carter said P&O’s conduct is arguably misleading and deceptive, and that preventing passengers and their relatives from disembarking is unlawful.
‘Providing free alcohol, offering free cruises for those who gamble more, and allowing automatic credit are all examples of egregious conduct,’ he said.
Shane Dixon, 45, (pictured) died after losing thousands of dollars on P&O’s Pacific Adventure earlier this month
‘Most would agree that this is immoral and unconscionable, but whatever label you use, it is definitely offensive.’
Mr Carter said none of these actions are generally allowed in Australian venues.
‘I accept that these passengers are adults and choose to gamble knowing the risk, but we are talking about practices that prey on vulnerabilities and actively incentivise people to lose money,’ he said.
‘Then strong-arm tactics are engaged to recover the debt.’
He also warned P&O that it is illegal to detain people for a debt and that significant compensation is payable for doing so.
‘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 slammed the company’s conduct as ‘immoral’ and ‘unconscionable’. Pictured is the Pacific Adventure returning to Sydney Harbour after it was delayed due to the search for Mr Dixon’s body
Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter (pictured) has announced his firm has launched an investigation into P&O
‘A cruise line must allow a passenger to leave and follow up any debt through a court if necessary.’
Mr Carter said the investigation will delve into the company’s practices and solutions for the recovery of financial losses incurred by former passengers and damages for unlawful imprisonment.
‘There may be legal recourse in a variety of ways and passengers who have been affected have a right to consider this,’ he said.
‘Cruising can be a wonderful holiday but passengers expect a safe and enjoyable cruise without becoming the victim of exploitative practices.’
While still in its early stages, the investigation could lead to a class action against P&O. Daily Mail Australia has contacted P&O for comment.
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