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By Seamus McGraw
Shays Wonders Whether Crimes Stats Are Deep Sixed
George Allen Smith, Shays said, was one of 13 people who have been reported missing aboard cruise ships in the past two years alone, but because the cruise lines supply the FBI with data on such cases, Shays and other members of Congress suspect that the number might actually be higher.
In fact, Shays focused on the Smith case to underscore his concerns about the industry and its reporting requirements.
Reading aloud from portions of her testimony while Jennifer Hagel-Smith and other members of the grieving family huddled together in the hearing room, Shays noted that not only had the cruise line allegedly treated her cavalierly after her husband vanished, but that officials had also tried to blame Smith for his own disappearance. ""Initially, the cruise line issued a statement attacking George, stating that it was just an accident and suggesting it was all George's fault," Congressman Shays quoted her as saying.
"I'm wrestling with how we can trust any statistic from any cruise line who can do what they did to a young bride," Shays said. "Today we begin an examination of the complex web of laws, treaties, regulations and commercial practices meant to protect lives and property in an increasingly dangerous world. "
In a written statement released Thursday to Crime Library, Royal Caribbean spokesman Michael Sheehan challenged Jennifer Hagel Smith's assertion that she had been abandoned in Turkey.
"After authorities completed their investigation, Jennifer was given the choice of sailing with the ship — but in another cabin since the Smith's cabin was sealed — or returning home. Jennifer said repeatedly she preferred to leave the ship," Sheehan wrote.
"Royal Caribbean initially offered Jennifer assistance in making arrangements to return home but the U.S. Consulate ultimately took this responsibility over," Sheehan wrote. "With Jennifer's concurrence, all of the Smiths' belongings, including wallets with cash and credit cards from their cabin safe, were delivered to U.S. Consulate staff, who, in turn, returned them to Jennifer. We also provided Jennifer with contact information for local Royal Caribbean staff in Kusadasi. At no time was Jennifer left without resources or contact information."
Sheehan said the cruise line is cooperating with investigators.
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