FBI Issues Important Reminder for Cruise Passengers

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Houston issued a reminder for summer cruise travelers on Wednesday, encouraging them to report serious crimes at sea quickly.

"As summer vacations begin, the FBI reminds you that if you have been a victim of assault with serious bodily injury, kidnapping, or sexual assault aboard a cruise ship, report it to security staff immediately," the federal law enforcement agency said.

"If you are no longer on the cruise, contact your local police and the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov." 

The Wednesday post to social media platform X came two days after a notable update in a high-profile cruise ship sexual assault case out of Galveston, Texas.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas, 47-year-old Elias Luis Herrera recently entered a guilty plea to sexual abuse of a 15-year-old female that occurred when he was working aboard a cruise ship in July 2003.

Herrera is set for sentencing on September 18 and faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

The FBI's reminder also comes after more than a dozen passengers were banned from sailing Carnival Cruise Line after brawling at PortMiami.

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