Police say they are still investigating the alleged sexual assault of a Carnival cruise guest in the Bahamas last week.
No charges have been filed, but inquiries continue into the incident near Junkanoo Beach after it was reported. A female cruise guest alleged a jet ski operator sexually assaulted her while she spending the day there.
The incident hasn’t been reported in the police crime updates, but Chief Superintendent of Police Sheria King confirmed it is still an active investigation.
Cruise passengers are drawn to Junkanoo Beach due to its proximity to the port and clear water. However, the beach is known for having overly aggressive and unlicensed vendors.
“Be prepared for persistent vendors. We advise our clients to be polite but firm if they’re not interested, and to keep an eye on their belongings, just as they would in any busy area. Crime can still occur while on vacation,” a travel agent told Cruise Radio about Junkanoo Beach.
US Updates Bahamas Travel Advisory
It was reported to police days after the US State Department issued a travel advisory update last week. The Bahamas is at Level 2: ‘Exercise Increased Caution.’
The advisory mentions jet ski vendors in New Providence and the Paradise Islands.
The advisory states, “Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have been reported.” It adds: “Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred.”
The advisory notes, “Some operators are not licensed or insured, and watercraft may not be safe. Operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts.”
While regulations and a permit system for operators are in place, enforcement is lax, which Bahamian officials have acknowledged needs to be improved.
The State Department prohibits U.S. government employees from renting jet skis and personal watercraft from independent operators.
The advisory also cautions travelers on and near downtown Nassau beaches, where it says sexual assaults have occurred.
Minister of Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis quickly responded to the revised U.S. travel warning.
She said officials met last week to discuss ways to increase oversight and enforcement policy. The Port Department has also made a report which will be presented to the Cabinet.
Minister Coleby-Davis said enforcement is inadequate, especially with unauthorized operators beyond the designated jet ski beach areas.
Read more: 11 Tips for Exploring Nassau, Bahamas
