Police in the Bahamas have apprehended two individuals on charges of sexual assault following allegations made by two American women aboard a Carnival cruise. The women claimed to have been drugged and raped while in the Caribbean nation, prompting swift action from Bahamian authorities. This incident comes amid a travel advisory issued by the United States Department of State for the Bahamas, a popular destination for cruises and spring-break vacations.
The arrests were made by officers in Grand Bahama, the northernmost island of the Bahamas, following reports from two mothers from Kentucky, identified as Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson. The women recounted their harrowing experience to News Nation’s Chris Cuomo, alleging that they were relaxing on a Grand Bahama beach when resort employees reportedly provided them with spiked drinks, leading to their incapacitation and subsequent assault.
According to their attorney, Nicholas Gerson, the victims were unaware of any travel warnings or advisories issued by the Department of State or Carnival. The assaults occurred during an excursion called “Pirate’s Cove Beach Getaway,” where the women were offered a two-for-one drink deal by a resort staffer. After consuming the beverages, they realized something was amiss and subsequently became incapacitated.
Dobson described waking up during the assault, emphasizing her desire for safety and the unfortunate reality that their friendship and vigilance were insufficient to prevent the attack. Surveillance footage aided local authorities in identifying the alleged perpetrators shortly after the incident. Upon returning to the ship, the women underwent toxicology tests, which revealed the presence of benzodiazepines and other drugs in their systems, corroborating their accounts.
Carnival, in response to inquiries, stated that two guests aboard the Carnival Elation reported the assaults to Bahamian police while ashore in Freeport, Bahamas, during an independent shore excursion. The cruise line’s Care Team provided support to the victims as they returned to Jacksonville, Florida. Carnival affirmed its cooperation with Bahamian authorities in their investigation into the matter.
The suspects, a 54-year-old man from Eight Mile Rock and a 40-year-old man from South Bahamia, were arrested following the incident. However, their identities have not been disclosed by the police, and the case remains under investigation.
Pirate’s Cove, the establishment where the assaults allegedly occurred, expressed regret over the incident and asserted its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement. The business assured that allegations were thoroughly investigated and appropriate measures taken in response.
The travel advisory issued by the Department of State for the Bahamas underscores concerns regarding crime, particularly in areas such as New Providence, including Nassau and Freeport. The advisory urges travelers to exercise increased caution due to reported incidents of violence, including murders, with retaliatory gang violence cited as a primary motive.
Gerson criticized Carnival for failing to warn passengers about the travel advisory, arguing that the cruise line has a legal obligation to inform passengers of potential dangers. As the investigation into the assaults continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of traveler safety and the need for vigilant awareness of potential risks while abroad.