Jean MartinA cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested in Alaska’s capital city, accused of a violent altercation on board the vessel.
The incident, involving the assault of a woman and two security guards with scissors, has drawn attention and legal action.
The Arrest and Charges:
The U.S. attorney’s office has filed charges against the 35-year-old man, citing assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction.
No attorney has been listed for his defense, as per online court records.
Background and Events Leading to the Incident:
An affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy sheds light on the events. The accused had recently been employed by a cruise line and boarded the Norwegian Encore in Seattle.
The ship embarked on a weeklong voyage with stops in Alaskan ports and British Columbia. The alleged attack took place late Sunday evening en route to Alaska, west of Vancouver Island.
The Alleged Attack:
Ship personnel witnessed the accused attempting to deploy a lifeboat, prompting security to escort him to a medical center for evaluation. However, the situation escalated when he became irrational and attempted to flee.
The affidavit details his physical assault on a guard and a nurse. He then grabbed scissors and stabbed a woman undergoing examination, as well as two guards who intervened. The assailant was eventually subdued and confined to a “shipboard jail.” Fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Legal Action and Conclusion:
Upon the ship’s arrival in Juneau on Tuesday, the FBI took the accused into custody.
The gravity of the situation underscores the need for swift and appropriate legal action to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for the accused.
