International Waters Domestic Nightmare: When traveling on a cruise line over international waters it is important to remember that United States laws may not apply. Each country has its own laws of the sea and if something happens while on international waters, it can be difficult to determine which law to apply.
A 15-year-old girl and her family from Iowa are going through that nightmare right now. While aboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise over the Christmas holiday, a boy the girl’s age persuaded her to leave a teen club aboard the ship. When the girl left the club, she found herself in a private room with the 15-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man.
The two would not allow her to leave and then they sexually assaulted her. Immediately following the incident the girl alerted ship authorities, who in turn alerted the FBI who arrested the two suspects once the boat arrived back in Florida.
It is unfortunate stories like this that remind travelers to beware of their surroundings, the situations they are in, and especially the laws that may apply. In this case, there is no law for statutory rape on the high seas and the two suspects are Brazilian nationals. A court will have to determine what laws to apply.
Remember when traveling, especially on cruises and in foreign countries what the laws are and how they might affect you. If you have been injured or become a victim while traveling, please call Boyer Law Firm to see how we might assist you.
Information for this article was obtained from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2082877/Daughter-15-Royal-Caribbean-cruise-raped-2-men-private-room.html.
