Couple Wants Class Action Status For Suit Against Carnival Cruise Line

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) - A couple who said they endured a week of misery on the Carnival Triumph after an engine fire left it disabled in the Gulf of Mexico are hoping to obtain class-action status for a lawsuit they've filed against Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines.

The suit filed Monday by Matt and Melissa Crusan of Oklahoma seeks to represent the more than 3,000 passengers who were on the Carnival Triumph when the fire broke out on Feb. 10.

A judge must approve the motion to grant class-action status. Carnival requires all lawsuits to be filed in Miami, where the liner is based.

Texas resident Cassie Terry was the first to sue the company, filing a lawsuit less than 24 hours after the boat docked.

Maritime attorneys say it's difficult to win such cases unless the plaintiffs can show actual injury or illness.

Carnival has said it won't comment on Triumph lawsuits.

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