John Dresp
Story Submission Date: February 12, 2006
Visitor Submitter: Donald Dresp
Event Date: November 16, 2005
Port Of Call: Caye Caulker, Belize
Age: 68
Home Town: Omaha, Nebraska
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship: Norwegian Dream
Attorney: Lois Young
Details:
John's body has never been found.
The currents and conditions on the day he went missing were far from ideal. Another of the ship's contracted snorkling companies in the area pulled their guests out of the water after 10 minuits and returned them to the ship.
John, his brother Don and Don's wife had just entered the water when the currents carried John's brother far from the boat.
Don's wife, the most experienced, left John who was treading water to get help for Donald. When she returned 2 minutes later, he was not there.
The guides on the ship looked over the water and then assured her that John had "probably gone over to the reef with the others." A serious search did not begin until after John failed to return to the boat with the other guests.
The guides had apparently been distracted during Donald's rescue and did not see what happened to John.
There were many unused safety measures that could have prevented our terrible loss. We claim "negligence" on the part of the dive company and the guide from the Norweigen Dream.
Three months later, we are told that the Police investigation is continuing
UPDATE: December 13, 2006
A coroner's inquest is being held in Belize to determine what happened to John Dresp. The family is hoping to get some documentation that will enable a death certificate so that his daughters can settle his affairs. Family members have testified at the inquest, and now await a determination.
The family members say they have been disappointed by what they call a lack of assistance from local authorities. Today they are using the tragedy to promote water safety, having spent the last year lobbying in the United States for the passage of a Cruise line Accurate Safety Statistics Act that promises to hold cruise lines and vendors responsible for the safety of passengers’ lives.
Missing On Shore Excursion
Dive Booked Through Norwegian Cruise Lines
John Dresp - November 16, 2005
