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Casino Boat Passengers Stranded Again

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida – As reported by the Tampa Bay Tribune: "For the second consecutive weekend, hundreds of guests aboard the Ocean Jewel casino boat were stranded for hours on the Gulf of Mexico, unable to ferry home because of stormy weather.

"Ten- to 15-foot seas forced Ocean Jewel officials to suspend shuttle service about 11 p.m. Saturday.

"Conditions never calmed overnight, and the crew hoisted the cruise ship's anchor about 8 a.m. Sunday and began the six-hour voyage to the Port of St. Petersburg.

"Haggard and unkempt passengers departed about 2 p.m., having slept on the ship's floor or in chairs.

"The compensation for their ordeal: $20 and an Ocean Jewel T-shirt.

"…Casino boat officials knew a cold front would bring increased winds and choppy waters late Saturday, but the storm's severity surprised them, said Michael Hlavsa, chief executive officer of Titan Cruise Lines, which operates the Ocean Jewel.

"…Since its maiden voyage on Oct. 23, the crew has had to bring the Ocean Jewel back to port four times because storms prevented shuttles from ferrying passengers…"

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