Cruise Ship Sexual Assault & Rape: Legal Help for Survivors (2021-2023 Statistics)

Cruise Ship Sexual Assault & Rape: You Are Not Alone

The Hidden Threat: Sexual Assault and Rape Aboard Cruise Ships

We put our guards down when we go on vacation. A cruise is seen as safe for all ages because access to a ship is restricted to passengers and crew. However, danger is lurking from within on these floating fortresses. There is an endemic of sexual assault and rape that occurs with frequency during cruise voyages that the cruise industry wants to keep secret. For some unlucky passengers, their dream cruise vacations turn into nightmares due to the horrific reality of sexual assault and rape at sea.

This article is meant to light on the disturbing underbelly of sexual violence on cruise ships. We will discuss the challenges victims face in reporting the incident, and the need for victims to start their search for the best cruise ship sexual assault lawyer for their case in Miami, where the cruise lines are headquartered and must be sued.

A qualified attorney like Alex Perkins, Esq. has been representing rape and sex assault victims in cruise ship injury cases for over 20 years. This field of maritime law is unique to Miami, Florida because the major cruise lines departing South Florida ports are based here and require all lawsuits for rape and sexual assault to be filed in federal court for the Southern District in Miami. Some of the cruise lines that are based in Miami are Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian, Cruise Lines, and Celebrity cruises. Disney Cruises is based in Orlando and suit must be filed in the Florida’s federal court Middle District. All of the cruise lines have mandatory terms and conditions that all passenger tacitly agree to, including bringing suit in the forum and venue selected by the cruise company and a one year state of limitations.

Not a Secret Anymore: Statistics Paint a Grim Picture

Unfortunately, there is no central database that tracks sexual assaults and rapes on cruise ships throughout the world. However, there is some available data after the United States Congress passed the 2010 Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act pertaining US port based cruise ships ers US v US victims that paint concerning picture of a growing problem.s According FBI, t nnhere were 131 reported sexual assaults on cruise ships in 2023 alone. This number is likely a significant underestimation, as many assaults go unreported due to fear, shame, and a lack of trust in cruise line authorities. The statistics that are now being compiled rely on self reporting by the cruise line to the United States Coast Guard or FBI. As you can imagine, this is not the most ideal collection system because you have to rely on the candor and accuracy of the cruise lines who have a financial interest in keeping this information out of the public realm.

Further complicating the issue is the international nature of cruise ship travel. Ships often sail under flags of convenience, registered in countries with lax regulations and limited oversight regarding passenger safety. For example, in a cruise ship rape case I handled involving a crew member raping a passenger, I was unable to work closely with the FBI to collect pertinent evidence relating to a parallel criminal investigation because my client was not from the United States. We got no help from the FBI because they did not have jurisdiction over on citizens according to the local Miami field office. Luckily, we use the foreign counterpart who did provide a little bit of assistance in our investigation, but even then they have a little jurisdiction when things occur in international waters and do not touch a US port. The cruise line, of course, was not helpful and was reluctant to provide details and first hand access to crew members.

Alarming Rise in Sexual Assaults on Cruise Ships: Despite Legal Cases the Trend Continues

Unfortunately, reports of these crimes at sea have been on the rise in recent years leading to United States Congress to enact legislation to help improve reporting and put a little pressure on the cruise industry. When rape on a cruise happens, it’s usually not in US navigable waters but rather on the “high seas” or foreign ports. The cruise lines may not be as cooperative or empathetic to victims as our clients quickly learn. They may be handed over to Guest Services and risk management, pretending that they care or want to help, but in reality, they are going to protect the cruise line from financial liability. In some cases, we have seen amoral conduct on the part of the cruise lines. Cruise lines are savvy and have lawyers involved from the start to prepare legal defenses to discredit or embarrass the victim well before the lawsuit is even filed. Often times the cruise line will put the offending passenger or crew member off at the next port of call never be heard from again before investigating authorities may be able to make arrests or take statements.

Data Spotlight: Sexual Assaults on Cruise Ships (2022-2023)

Here’s a breakdown of reported sexual assaults on cruise ships in the United States from 2021 to 2023, compiled from various credible sources:

Key Observations:

• A significant increase is evident from 2022 to 2023, with a rise of 44 reported incidents.
• The 2023 figure represents a new high in reported sexual assaults on cruise ships in recent years.
• Data for 2021 is not readily available from a central source, but industry reports suggest a lower number compared to 2022 due to the simple fact Cruises were not running during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Additional Statistics:

• The FBI report for 2023 further breaks down the data, revealing:
  • 52 cases of sexual assault
  • 79 rapes [1]
• These numbers only reflect reported incidents. Experts suggest a significant underreporting of sexual assault crimes, particularly on cruise ships, due to factors like fear of retaliation, isolation at sea, and jurisdictional complexities.

Sources:

• [1] Fox News: Warning for cruise passengers as sexual assaults hit new high for 2023 sailings (https://www.foxnews.com/us/warning-cruise-passengers-sexual-assaults-hit-new-high-2023-sailings-fbi)
• [2] Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) (Reports do not disclose specific crime data) (https://cruising.org/)

What the Data Tells Us:

The rising trend of reported sexual assaults on cruise ships is deeply concerning. While the increase could partly reflect improved reporting mechanisms, it also suggests a potential growth in the actual number of incidents. The sad truth is that the cruise line is incentivized to keep these statistics quiet for obvious reasons. Rape and sexual assaults are bad publicity and are counter to the idea of a safe and fun family vacation. Also lawsuits for rape and sexual assault by a crew member against a passenger can cost a lot of money to settle. This is why cruise lines will go to great lengths to feign cooperation with law enforcement and to interfere with the truth seeking process. Rape and sex assault claims and lawsuits brought by cruise ship rape lawyers will be met by the cruise line with disdain and distrust. The cruise line has access to the evidence and information before the victim’s lawyer and they will be prepared to fight and paint a different picture. Fortunately, the courts have found legal liability against cruise lines for survivors of rape by crew members or even other passengers depending on the circumstances of the incident. There are favorable laws for victims when they are a passenger and are sexually assaulted by an employee of the cruise line. There is also a duty of the cruise line to warn of dangers or rape and sex assault.

Cruise ship Rape and Sexual Assault: Obstacles Faced by Victims

The aftermath of a sexual assault on a cruise ship can be incredibly traumatic for survivors. We have seen cases where the cruise line has tried to seize the cell phone and belongings of the victim and have delayed rape kits, drug testing, reporting to the authorities and providing essential sexually transmitted disease screening. They are often faced with a multitude of challenges, including:

Medical Attention: Access to immediate medical care and forensic evidence collection can be limited, especially if the assault occurs mid-ocean. Rape kits are not expensive and it should be mandatory that Medical Centers aboard cruise ships carry them. Also drug testing should be available because sometimes this occurrence of rape and sexual assault involve drugging unsuspecting victims. And while it may be a little too early certain screening for sexually transmitted disease should also be provided as well as prophylactic medication’s, including birth control.

Law Enforcement: Reporting the assault to cruise line staff may not lead to a thorough investigation. Local authorities may not have jurisdiction, further delaying justice. New laws require reporting to the FBI and Coast Guard. If the incident involves an American citizen the FBI will have jurisdiction. If the victim is Canadian the Royal Mounted Police may have authority. Due to travelers and destinations being international, there may be extra challenges to get law enforcement involved.

Evidence Preservation: The cruise line may not properly preserve evidence, hindering the ability to prosecute the perpetrator or prove criminal and civil liability. We have seen cruise lines being more concerned with seizing evidence from the victim, and attempting to limit their communication with family and friends during the trip and even when they get home.

Emotional Trauma: Survivors often experience profound emotional distress, including fear, anxiety, and depression. They may also struggle with feelings of isolation and shame or embarrassment. It is highly recommended victims of sexual assault, see some type of psychological counseling, whether with a professional or clergy person. This also helps to document the emotional trauma for a civil lawsuit because damages are typically mostly pain and suffering for which there is no exact formula.

Perkins Law Offices: If you have been sexually assaulted or raped on a cruise ship, you are not alone. Call us immediately no matter where you are.

If you are on a cruise ship right now and have just been the victim of a sexual assault or rape by a crew member or another guest, call us right now no matter what time it is. Mr. Perkins or one of our attorneys will be able to speak to you privately and discreetly. You can also reach us on the Internet by sending an online chat message or texting our office at 305-741-5297. We will guide on what to do while you are still onboard. We can also reach law enforcement stateside if that has not been done.

Perkins Law Offices understands the unique challenges faced by survivors and is dedicated to helping you navigate the various legal systems to obtain the justice you deserve. Our trusted and experienced personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of success in holding cruise lines accountable for their failure to protect passengers. We will work tirelessly to:

Conduct a Thorough Investigation: We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with investigators to build a strong case. We will work hand-in-hand with law-enforcement to ensure the criminal aspect is also being pursued where available.

Fight for Compensation: You deserve compensation for your related medical expenses, lost wages, and most importantly, the immeasurable pain and suffering. We will aggressively negotiate with the cruise line or pursue litigation to secure the maximum compensation possible as discreetly as possible.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Cruise lines are powerful corporations with vast resources at their disposal. They often try to downplay the seriousness of sexual assaults and pressure victims to settle for inadequate compensation or worse blame the victims. We know their tactics and have successfully handled claims against all of the Florida based cruise lines for many years.

An experienced cruise rape attorney in Miami can level the playing field and protect your rights. They will handle all legal matters, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Attorney

Don’t Suffer in Silence: Contact Perkins Law Offices Today