Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into an alleged attempted sexual assault aboard one of the passenger ships being used as floating accommodation for athletes competing in the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto.
According to Italian broadcaster RaiNews, a young French athlete competing in athletics reported an alleged unwanted sexual advance by a Moroccan football player aboard the vessel serving as part of the Games’ floating athletes’ village. The athlete reportedly rejected the advance, but the man allegedly continued his behaviour, prompting her to call for assistance and attracting the attention of crew members.
Emergency medical personnel and police were subsequently called to the ship. The athlete was taken to hospital for medical examinations and was reportedly found to have suffered no physical injuries before returning to the athletes’ accommodation.
Police have identified the Moroccan player and are interviewing witnesses as they establish the circumstances of the incident. Investigators have also obtained recordings from the vessel’s internal security system, including footage from cameras covering areas near the swimming pool.
RaiNews reported that no formal measures had been taken against the player at the time of publication. He had already returned to Morocco with his national delegation while the investigation continued.
Two passenger vessels are being used as floating hotels during the Mediterranean Games: AROYA and Romantika. Both are berthed at the Italian Navy base in Taranto, where they form the accommodation complex known as the “Mediterranean Village.”
AROYA, operated by Saudi-based AROYA Cruises, is the former World Dream. The 151,000-gross-ton cruise ship has 1678 cabins and serves as the principal accommodation vessel for athletes and delegations.
Romantika, operated by Estonia-based Tallink, is a cruise ferry with 636 cabins and accommodation capacity for ~2500 passengers.
Together, the two vessels are scheduled to accommodate athletes, coaches and delegation members representing 26 countries throughout the Mediterranean Games. The investigation into the reported incident remains ongoing.