An American cruise passenger was arrested in Italy after a loaded handgun was discovered in his bag during a routine security check at the cruise terminal.
Police said the Browning semi-automatic pistol was found during pre-cruise security screening at the Porto Corsini Cruise Terminal in Ravenna, Italy.
The 77-year old man and his son were detained at the port. The gun was seized and he was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and issued a deportation order. He told police he forgot the weapon was in his bag and said he has a valid US permit for the pistol.
Gun not detected at US airports
The two guests had traveled from Tennessee, flying to Venice via a transatlantic flight at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. It is unclear how they got through airport security screening without detecting the firearm.
Police said they were booked on a cruise to Croatia but further details or the name of the cruise line haven’t been disclosed. Incidents like this are rare although a similar one took place just a few months ago.
Other Guests Caught with Guns Trying to Board Ships
A 73-year old American noticed he had inadvertently packed is firearm in his luggage on the day of his cruise from Kobe, Japan. He discarded bullets and then informed security officers at the cruise terminal. He was then arrested.
Just a few weeks earlier, a passenger was arrested in Aruba after attempting to board Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas with a gun.
