Shocking Allegations at Disney’s Castaway Cay: A Wake-Up Call on Cruise Line Negligence and Passenger Safety
As a seasoned cruise ship injury lawyer with Perkins Law Offices, I’ve spent over two decades fighting for victims of negligence on the high seas—and in the supposed paradise of private islands like Disney’s Castaway Cay. When I first read about this latest horror story unfolding on that Bahamian beach, my blood boiled. Here we go again.
The Allegations That Shook Disney’s Private Island
A 29-year-old Florida woman was allegedly raped by the very man Disney entrusted with guest safety on the private island—Gursel Sahibas, the 65-year-old island director.
According to reports, she was swimming off the shore when the assault occurred. If proven true, this would not be the first time a cruise line failed to protect passengers from assault by its own crew.
Behind the cheerful Mickey Mouse façade, there’s often a legal maze designed to shield corporations from accountability. That’s why victims need immediate legal counsel when such tragedies occur.
What Really Happened at Castaway Cay
According to the New York Post and Daily Mail, the alleged attack took place in late October 2025 while the woman was visiting Castaway Cay—Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, accessible only to Disney Cruise Line passengers.
Sahibas, the island’s director, was responsible for overseeing guest services and security. Prosecutors allege that he approached the victim in the water, isolated her, and sexually assaulted her in broad daylight.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed his arrest and stated he was later released on bail to return to the UK pending a January court date.
Why Disney Cruise Line Is 100% Liable Under Maritime Law
As a cruise ship injury lawyer, my first advice to any client in this situation would be clear:
Disney Cruise Line bears full legal responsibility for the intentional actions of its employees during a cruise voyage—including incidents on their private island.
Even though this happened in the Bahamas, U.S. maritime law applies because the incident occurred during a cruise governed by Disney’s ticket contract. This is critical, as maritime law offers stronger protections for victims than Bahamian law.
Understanding Strict Liability for Cruise Lines
Under federal maritime law, Disney is strictly liable for the actions of its employees performed during their duties.
This is comparable to state laws holding dog owners liable for bites—the company owns the responsibility, period.
Disney cannot escape blame by calling Sahibas a “rogue employee.” He was the island’s top official—acting in his official capacity when this assault allegedly occurred.
Building the Case: Evidence, Discovery, and Corporate Accountability
If Disney refused to settle quickly, we would begin aggressive discovery—seeking:
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CCTV footage from the beach and nearby facilities
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Security logs and incident reports
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Human resources files related to Sahibas
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OSI (Other Similar Incidents) documentation showing systemic negligence
By proving a pattern of similar misconduct, we could strengthen the case and increase the potential settlement or verdict value.
Castaway Cay and Disney’s Duty of Care
Castaway Cay is not an independent resort—it’s fully operated and controlled by Disney Cruise Line.
When passengers step off the ship, Disney’s duty of care continues. The cruise line remains responsible for providing a safe environment, and that includes vetting, supervising, and monitoring all employees.
Private islands like Castaway Cay are isolated—limited law enforcement, patchy communications, and often an international workforce with limited background checks. These conditions heighten Disney’s duty to ensure guest safety.
Disney’s Castaway Cay Assault Case: Cruise Line Negligence, Passenger Safety, and Legal Accountability
Filing a Lawsuit Against Disney Cruise Line
Disney’s ticket contract requires all personal injury and assault claims to be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida—where Disney Cruise Line is headquartered.
Victims can pursue compensation for:
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Medical expenses and therapy
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Lost wages and emotional distress
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Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
Given Disney’s reputation, the company often chooses to settle confidentially to avoid public relations fallout. In cases like this, survivors may file under an alias to protect their privacy.
Why Survivors Need a Maritime Lawyer
Sexual assault cases on cruise ships are uniquely complex, involving international laws, federal maritime regulations, and corporate legal shields.
At Perkins Law Offices, we’ve represented survivors of cruise ship assaults throughout Florida and beyond, helping them reclaim justice and begin healing.
Victims should never face these massive corporations alone.
Take Legal Action—Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual assault on a cruise ship or a cruise line’s private island, contact Perkins Law Offices immediately.
There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Contact Information
Alexander J. Perkins, Esq.
Perkins Law Offices
www.PerkinsLawOffices.com
1728 Coral Way, Suite 702, Miami, FL 33145
305-741-5297
Cruise Ship Injury | Car Accidents | Wrongful Death
