A female Filipino crew member was arrested on May 19 for voluntary manslaughter after her newborn baby was discovered dead aboard a Silversea cruise ship. The mother allegedly concealed her pregnancy and delivery because she was afraid of losing her job.
The unidentified crew member is believed to have hidden her pregnancy from the cruise line so she could continue her janitorial duties aboard Silver Whisper. The vessel was on a 9-night European sailing, visiting Italy, Rome, and France.
Two of her colleagues, Kenyan and South African nationals, shared the cabin with the expectant mother. They kept the 28-year-old crew member’s secret and eventually assisted with the delivery.
The baby continued to be hidden after birth, though rumors began to circulate among the crew after some of them heard the infant crying. It was reportedly sometimes placed in the cabin’s locker.
Local Officials Find the Body
On the evening of May 19, Silver Whisper was sailing off the Argentario coast, near Italy’s Grosseto province. The baby died, forcing the mother to confess and seek help. The vessel’s officers then contacted the local coast guard and authorities.
Upon boarding the ship, local officials inspected the cabin and other rooms. The dead baby was found wrapped in sheets on the mother’s bed while the mother appeared to be in shock.
Officials estimate that the baby had only been two days old. Since a medical examiner found no outward signs of injury, the newborn is speculated to have died from neglect and possibly starvation. A more thorough autopsy has been ordered to identify the cause of death and whether or not it might have been born prematurely.
Women Face Voluntary Manslaughter Charges in Italy
After being discharged from a local hospital, the mother was moved to a prison in Sollicciano, Florence. Her two colleagues also face charges of voluntary manslaughter.
Meanwhile, the luxury cruise ship Silversea has resumed its European voyage.
Even passengers who are about to give birth are not allowed to join cruises since vessels lack the necessary medical resources to address complications and emergencies.
The situation underscores the challenges and fears crew members face due to strict employment contracts that provide minimal job security.
