A visit to SeaWorld San Diego turned harrowing for an Arizona mother and daughter. Salina Higgins recounted to Fox News Digital how their fun day on July 9 took a frightening turn when they decided to ride the Electric Eel roller coaster.
She recounted that during the ride’s initial upside-down section, her daughter’s shoulder strap was left hanging in front of her. “I just so happened to open my eyes, and my daughter started screaming because her strap was dangling in front of her face as we hung upside down,” Higgins said. “I then grabbed the strap, secured it, and held onto it for dear life as we both were screaming until the ride was over.”
Higgins described the 47-second ride as “the longest 47 seconds of my life.” After the ride, she reported the incident to an attendant but felt her concerns were not taken seriously. She then escalated the issue to guest services.
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She said she was advised to read the disclaimers posted outside the ride. She took photos of the signs and shared them with Fox News Digital.
One sign reads: “Hold on tight and remain seated with the comfort collar secured at all times during the ride.” The other indicates that the comfort straps are “designed for your comfort only.”
Higgins said after the altercation between Seaworld staff and herself, they were escorted off the property by security.
“This was gross negligence by SeaWorld,” Higgins claimed. “Are we going to be scarred for life? No, but I can’t rest easy knowing that this is going on and could happen to someone else.”
Higgins shared her story on social media, posting a video captured by her niece that allegedly shows the moment the strap came loose. The video has garnered 8.5 million views. Despite being offered free passes, ticket reimbursement, and $1,000 by Seaworld, Higgins declined.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the incident.
In a statement, Seaworld says it doesn’t joke with safety on its rides. “We take safety very seriously and understand that this guest perceived a risk that caused her concern. There was not, however, a safety issue during the ride. All rides and attractions, including Electric Eel, are designed, operated and inspected daily in accordance with all applicable standards and manufacturer specifications.”
“The ‘harness’ this family is referencing is called a ‘comfort collar,’ which is intended for the rider’s comfort and is not a restraining device. The lap bar and shin bar are the only restraining devices on the coaster, and they remained securely in place throughout the entire ride. Signage at the entrance of the ride indicates that the comfort collar is for rider comfort only.”
