A great-grandad celebrating 60 years of marriage died after falling on stairs during a luxury cruise, an inquest heard.
Barrie Copeland, 79, hit his head while he and his wife Eileen were on board the Marella Discovery cruise operated by travel company TUI.
He was looking for a seat to watch an event when he tripped and fell on some steps which were "covered in carpet".
The tragedy happened on August 23, 2018, Chronicle Live reports.
Barrie, from Darlington, suffered a head injury and died nearly a month later, on September 21.
A coroner ruled the death as an accident. But the coroner wrote to TUI declaring: "There is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken."
Mr Copeland's son, Owen, has since slammed TUI over his dad's death.
He said: "My dad’s accident was quite simple really - he tripped on a step. We appreciate that accidents happen but you couldn’t see the step because it was covered in carpet.
"My mum is lonely and deeply upset. She blames TUI. As his son as well as his Power of Attorney I want to get answers on his behalf – he would’ve demanded answers so it’s up to me to do that now."
The Copeland family is pursuing a civil case against TUI.
Their lawyer, Victoria Cox from Slater and Gordon, said: "Nothing will bring Mr Copeland back.
"Mr Copeland’s inquest and the coroner’s request to TUI to make some simple, low-cost changes to the steps will help prevent future accidents."
An inquest into his death ruled he died after an accident.
However, in a report to prevent future deaths sent to the chief operating officer at TUI, the coroner highlighted a number of concerns surrounding his death.
The report from Durham and Darlington assistant coroner James Thomspon read: "During the course of the inquest, the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern.
"In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances, it is my statutory duty to report to you.
"During the course of the evidence heard at the inquest, a witness described the step/s Mr Copeland fell on were covered in carpet so as to make them difficult to recognise them as steps and difficult to differentiate the change in the floor level at the venue.
"The lighting in the lounge can be altered and were not at the time of the accident fully lit.
"The step/s, therefore, could be the cause of future accidents. This is of particular relevance to the infirm and/or those persons with poor eyesight.
"In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your organisation has the power to take such action."
TUI is the world’s leading tourism group and has 1,600 travel agencies, five airlines, over 400 hotels, and 17 cruise liners across holiday destinations around the globe.
A spokesperson for TUI said: "We were deeply saddened to hear about Mr Copeland. We can confirm we will be responding to the coroner in due course. As this is an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.
"We would like to reassure customers that we regularly audit our ships in respect of health and safety."
