Video: Butler Seeks Reform on Cruise Industry

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — A Columbus native is optimistic about her national campaign to bring more oversight to the cruise industry.

Violet Butler died after suffering a heart attack on a cruise ship earlier this year.

In public statements, the ship’s owner said it had adequate health care services on hand. But in court documents, the company says it has no responsibility to provide health services at all.

Butler’s daughter, Amanda Butler, says the industry can’t have it both ways, and has spent the last week meeting with congressional staffers on language to impose minimum standards on the industry.

“Yes, I’m optimistic,” Amanda Butler said. “We’ve met with the bill writers on language. We feel like there is progress.”

Her efforts are being written into the Coast Guard Authorization bill, which could come before a senate committee next month.