A lifeguard employed aboard MSC Cruises’ MSC World America was arrested after allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old passenger.
Rafael Cayetano Blanco, 38, a Guatemalan national, was arrested on Saturday, August 22nd, after the ship returned to PortMiami. According to the affidavit, Blanco met the 17-year-old passenger aboard the vessel on August 16th, when the two exchanged telephone numbers. The passenger later went to the crew member’s cabin, where they allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse.
The affidavit states that the teenager returned to Blanco’s cabin on August 19th and that sexual intercourse allegedly occurred again.
Following the incident, Blanco was questioned after being advised of his Miranda rights and allegedly acknowledged having consensual sexual intercourse with the 17-year-old. He was subsequently arrested and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami.
Court records indicate that Blanco is facing one count of sexual activity with a minor. An immigration hold was also recorded in the arrest documentation. He is currently being held at the Metro West Detention Center in Miami-Dade County.
MSC Cruises said it had contacted law enforcement immediately after becoming aware of an alleged criminal act involving a crew member. The company stated that it cooperated with the investigation, assisted the passenger and dismissed the crew member from employment.
Blanco remains accused of the offense, and the allegations have not been adjudicated in court.
MSC World America departed Miami on August 15th for a 15-day round-trip itinerary. The ship returned to PortMiami on August 22nd before beginning a voyage to Puerto Plata and Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. The vessel is scheduled to return to Florida on August 29th.
For more MSC World America incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page