A British couple is suing multiple U.S. entities, claiming that the husband was exposed to asbestos while working as a seaman on cruise ships owned by Princess Cruise Lines.

Plaintiffs Dennis R. and Christine R. live in Wales, United Kingdom. According to this asbestos lawsuit, Dennis claims he was repeatedly exposed to asbestos during the time he worked aboard various Princess ships from 1976 through 1980.

As a result of his job, he worked on the Sun Princess, the Pacific Princess, the Island Princess and the Royal Princess. He alleges that during his work as a seaman, he was exposed to asbestos.

When he worked on the ships, he worked in the engine departments, the boiler rooms and machinery spaces. He was exposed to asbestos and asbestos related products, he claims.

He says that while he was in the employ of the cruise line, he began to suffer from severe pain and discomfort, loss of breath and shortness of breath. Stress has been placed on his cardiovascular system and other bodily systems because he was exposed to asbestos, he says.

Dennis says he has suffered in the past and will continue to suffer in the future mental, physical and emotional trauma and believes he will develop mesothelioma in the future.

The plaintiffs allege that Dennis was caused injury by this because of the defendants’ negligence and because of the unseaworthiness of the vessels.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for many years in the manufacturing of many industrial products. When it is disturbed, small asbestos fibers are released and may come into contact with those nearby.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that only occurs when a patient is exposed to asbestos. With mesothelioma, cancer cells form on a thin, protective layer of tissue that covers the lungs, heart or abdomen.

According to asbestos.com, an estimated 3,000 cases of asbestos-related mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Asbestos use has significantly dropped in the last several decades, but mesothelioma often does not show up for many years after someone has been exposed to asbestos.

Doctors know of no cure for mesothelioma.

When someone is exposed to asbestos, he or she breathes in asbestos fibers. These fibers lodge in the lungs and in the mesothelial tissue surrounding the lungs.

These fibers, unfortunately, cannot be exhaled, and over time they can cause cellular damage, scarring and inflammation. Because of this, tumors grow in the mesothelial lining.

This Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-04111-VSB in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.