A 38-year-old lifeguard employed on the MSC World America cruise ship was apprehended at PortMiami after reportedly engaging in illicit sexual activities with a minor passenger on board. Rafael Cayetano Blanco, who hails from Guatemala, was taken into custody on Saturday, August 22, following the ship’s return to port, according to an arrest affidavit that has come to light.
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The allegations against Blanco stem from incidents in which he allegedly had sexual relations with a 17-year-old female passenger. It is reported that the pair initially met while cruising, exchanging phone numbers on August 16. That evening, the minor is said to have entered Blanco’s cabin, where they reportedly engaged in consensual sexual intercourse.
According to the arrest affidavit, the 17-year-old returned to Blanco’s cabin on August 19 for a second encounter, during which they again engaged in sexual activity. Following a series of procedural warnings known as Miranda rights, Blanco is said to have confessed to these acts of consensual intercourse with the young passenger.
Blanco has since been charged with one count of sexual activity with a minor. Additionally, court documents reveal that he is subject to an immigration hold. He is currently detained at the Metro West Detention Center located in Miami-Dade County.
MSC Cruises, the company operating the vessel, swiftly responded to the news of the alleged misconduct, confirming that they had dismissed Blanco from his position and had fully cooperated with the investigation led by law enforcement. In a statement shared with PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the cruise line emphasised their commitment to safety, stating, “Upon discovery of a breach of conduct by a crew member, and an alleged criminal act, we immediately contacted the relevant law enforcement authorities.”
The spokesperson also assured that the cruise line provided all necessary assistance to the victim involved and highlighted the company’s zero-tolerance policy regarding such issues on their ships.
The MSC World America departed Miami on August 15 for a 15-day round-trip voyage, which included a stop in Puerto Plata-Amber Cove, Dominican Republic. After returning to Miami on August 22, the ship is scheduled to set sail again for Florida on August 29.
This incident comes amid increasing scrutiny of safety protocols aboard cruise ships, particularly regarding the protection of minors. The case against Blanco serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to safeguarding passengers, both on and off the ship.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the alleged victim, while also addressing the implications of the incident for the cruise industry as a whole. The cruise community awaits further developments as both the legal proceedings and internal reviews of cruise line policies unfold.
As of now, attempts to reach a public defender appointed to represent Blanco for comments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.