Fourteen-Year-Old Boy Sexually Abused By Two Men on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

A fourteen-year-old boy was reportedly sexually abused in the sauna of the Independence of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Two men are accused of various offenses against the boy. The allegations are that one of the perpetrators forced the boy to touch him while he masturbated in front of him. And other allegations are that the other man also forced the boy to watch while he masturbated and then forced him to perform oral sex on him;  He also reportedly performed oral sex on the victim.

One of the perpetrators has also been charged with not disclosing his status as someone with a sexually transmitted disease. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office arrested the two men when the cruise ship returned to PortMiami. The horrible story is, unfortunately, not unique. Other instances of sexual abuse in saunas and similar locations have occurred on other cruise ships, including the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas. Another recent incident involved a Royal Caribbean employee placing hidden cameras in a bathroom on the Symphony of the Seas, which he used to film hundreds of passengers, including children ages two to 17.

When these forms of abuse and assault happen on a cruise ship, it’s not just the perpetrators who need to face justice. The cruise lines also must face consequences for failing to keep passengers safe.

Charges filed against the two men

The two suspects, who were passengers on the cruise and were traveling together, are now both facing charges of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child and lewd and lascivious exhibition on a child.

One of the suspects, who is reportedly HIV positive, is facing an additional charge of sex with a victim without exposing his HIV status. Prosecutors also charged the other suspect with child sexual battery.

Why sexual violence is common on cruise ships

Cruise ships like the Independence of the Seas are like floating cities. Thousands of people are on board, and yet security is often light. There are no police, just low-paid security personnel who may create the illusion of safety for passengers. Combine that with the plentiful alcohol served all day long and the existence of many secluded locations like saunas, and there is a heightened risk of these types of sexual attacks and abuses.

Parents might feel that children, especially young teens, do not need supervision because of the enclosed environment and incorrect assumptions that the ship provides a secure and safe environment. The cruise lines also often have lax security or rules surrounding minors and their supervision. All of these factors can contribute to a greater risk of sexual abuse and assault. In fact, such attacks are on the rise, according to some reports.

These ships also operate in international waters, which may add confusion regarding who can hold perpetrators accountable. However, there are laws in place that allow victims to hold these abusers liable and courts to file criminal charges against those who commit these unlawful acts.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA)

The CVSSA requires that cruise lines report incidents of rape, sexual assault, and battery and that they report their data so that the public can access the information. Cruise lines must also keep records, including room key access and surveillance footage, which can be critical when prosecuting or filing civil charges against the perpetrators. Victims of assault and abuse need to also have access on board to rape kits and medication to prevent STDs.

The CVSSA entitles passengers to:

• A security guide detailing where and how to report crimes, legal procedures, and U.S. embassy locations.
• A forensic exam after a sexual assault.
• Confidential support from onboard medical and counseling staff.

The law also gives the FBI jurisdiction over sex crimes at sea if:

• The ship is partly or fully U.S.-owned.
• The victim or perpetrator is a U.S. citizen.
• The voyage involves a U.S. port.
• The crime happens in international waters involving a U.S. national.
• The crime occurs within 12 miles of the U.S. coast.

The ability to charge criminals for their actions helps hold them accountable, but the law also allows victims to take civil legal action against cruise lines in civil court. A civil lawsuit offers victims an opportunity to seek justice and compensation.

What to do if you or your child was assaulted or abused on a cruise ship

In the aftermath of a sexual assault or the abuse of a child, victims and their families may panic or become overwhelmed. However, it’s important to take action immediately to protect the victim and to preserve evidence that can help hold the attacker and the cruise ship liable. Here are a few basic steps to take:

• Report – Tell ship security what happened.
• Get medical care – Visit a rape treatment center or hospital ASAP.
• Preserve evidence – Don’t shower or change clothes until a forensic exam.
• Gather info – Get the names of those involved and any witnesses.
• Call the FBI – Speak to them directly, not through the cruise line.
• Document injuries – Take photos of bruises or physical harm.
• Seek support – Get counseling for trauma.
• Contact a Board Certified Admiralty & Maritime lawyer – Protect your rights and explore legal options.

Contact Hickey Law Firm today

John H. (Jack) Hickey holds Board Certification in Civil Trial Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy and Dual Board Certification from the Florida Bar in Civil Trial and Admiralty and Maritime Law. Hickey Law Firm is prepared to fight on behalf of victims of abuse, assault, accidents, and injuries that occur on cruise ships and other vessels. Call us today, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.