Miami, Florida – A Florida attorney is facing serious legal trouble after he allegedly attacked a 67-year-old man aboard a Norwegian cruise ship in Miami, leaving the older passenger unconscious. The incident has raised questions about onboard safety, passenger behavior, and the circumstances that escalated a verbal dispute into a violent confrontation.
Incident Overview
Authorities say the altercation unfolded on Saturday afternoon aboard the Norwegian Encore, which was docked in Miami. According to an arrest affidavit, 38-year-old Phillip Andrew Ortiz, a licensed Florida attorney, allegedly shoved and later tackled the older man during a disagreement about a restricted hallway on the ship.
Investigators were told that the victim noticed Ortiz attempting to enter a hallway that “was not yet open to passengers” and instructed him to stop—an interaction that immediately triggered the confrontation.
The affidavit states the encounter quickly spiraled into aggression, ultimately resulting in the older passenger losing consciousness.
Timeline of Events
The confrontation began shortly before 2 p.m. when the victim warned Ortiz not to enter the restricted area. Ortiz allegedly snapped back, saying:
“Who the f— are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?”
The victim claimed that Ortiz’s female companion also pushed him during the heated argument. When the older man pushed back, it reportedly “enraged the defendant,” escalating the situation further.
Officials say Ortiz ignored the warning and entered the secured hallway anyway. The victim attempted to close the door to prevent him from returning, which authorities believe contributed to the defendant’s aggressive response.
Moments later, Ortiz allegedly forced the door open, charged toward the victim, and tripped him—causing both men to fall, with Ortiz’s full body weight landing on the 67-year-old’s head.
Details from Officials
According to the affidavit from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the impact knocked the older man unconscious. Ortiz allegedly fled the scene without attempting to help.
Witnesses immediately rushed to assist, performing CPR until the victim regained consciousness. He was later transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Investigators noted that the victim’s account aligned with security camera footage, strengthening the case against Ortiz.
When law enforcement located Ortiz, officers said he refused to sign a Miranda rights form and declined to speak with detectives. He was arrested “without incident” and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Statements from Defense
Ortiz’s attorney, Stephan Lopez, provided a sharply different version of events, arguing there is “more to the story.”
“The so-called elderly person is bigger and stronger than my client,” Lopez said.
“He was already drunk prior to the ship departing and he instigated and initiated the aggression … assaulting my client’s wife and preventing access to their children, 6 and 14.”
Lopez emphasized that his client was a VIP guest aboard the ship and claimed that Norwegian Cruise Line failed in its duty to protect him and his family during the confrontation.
Court Findings
During Monday’s probable cause hearing, Judge Mindy Glazer questioned whether the initial felony charge—aggravated battery on a person 65 or older—was appropriate. She noted that the injuries did not appear permanent.
“I don’t find this to be an aggravated battery,” Glazer said.
This development may influence future charges or plea considerations as the case moves forward.
Cruise Line Response
Norwegian Cruise Line released a brief statement confirming the victim’s age and reinforcing their safety policy:
“We have zero-tolerance for violence of any kind on our ships and are committed to providing a safe cruising experience for all aboard.”
The company did not comment on the attorney’s claims that his status as a VIP guest entitled him to additional protections.
Cruise Ship Safety Concerns
Incidents of onboard violence, while statistically rare, highlight ongoing concerns about passenger conduct, alcohol consumption, and access to restricted areas. Cruise lines enforce strict security protocols, but disagreements between guests can escalate quickly in contained environments.
Experts note that disputes often arise in crowded corridors, embarkation lines, or during high-stress moments such as boarding and disembarkation.
Passengers are urged to follow crew instructions, avoid restricted areas, and report aggressive behavior immediately to prevent dangerous confrontations.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, both sides present conflicting narratives about what happened aboard the Norwegian Encore. With legal proceedings underway and security footage under review, more details may emerge in the coming weeks about the altercation that left a 67-year-old passenger unconscious and a Florida lawyer facing criminal charges.
What do you think about safety and accountability on cruise ships? Share your experiences in the comments below.
