Authorities apprehended a man who leaped from a cruise ship and swam ashore at the Port of Naha, Japan.
The incident transpired on the evening of February 1, prompting a cruise ship agent to alert the fire department after witnessing a person, believed to be a man, diving into the sea. Subsequent searches by the fire department and other responders led to the discovery of the individual on the quay.
The individual, identified as Duman Alper, a Turkish national, was taken into custody on suspicion of illegal landing, as reported by NHK. Police investigations revealed that the suspect breached the Immigration Control Act by plunging into the sea from a cruise ship docked at Minato Town's second cruise berth (Naha City), thereby entering the country unlawfully.
During questioning, the man refuted the allegations, claiming, he was not aware that he landed illegally.
The ship involved in the incident was identified as MSC Bellissima (operated by MSC Cruises) according to the ship's agent.
However, authorities have not disclosed whether the individual was a passenger or a crew member aboard the vessel.
For more MSC Bellissima incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.