A 34-year-old chef employed aboard the Sky Princess cruise ship was sentenced to one year in prison on February 14 for assaulting a teenage passenger.
Chef Vincent Lucas, from Goa, India, was convicted following a four-day trial at Southampton Crown Court. The incident occurred late at night in the teen lounge as the Sky Princess, a Princess Cruises vessel, returned to Southampton, England.
Prosecutor Andrew Houston narrated Lucas’s actions in court, noting how he had been “roaming the ship late at night” as he chose his victim.
A Crime With Long-Term Impact
According to the Daily Mail, the teenage girl, who was traveling with her family, described the assault as a “nightmare” that would have lasting effects on her emotional well-being. She explained that the experience has left her feeling unsafe and struggling with sleepless nights as she now seeks counseling.
Her mother, who once felt “safe and secure” aboard the cruise ship, spoke about the profound effect the assault had on her. “I felt powerless to help my daughter,” she said, expressing a parent’s frustration at being unable to protect her child.
Judge Nicholas Rowland stressed how the crime violated public trust in a family-friendly environment. “The victim and her family were entitled to feel that a group of teenagers would be safe on a cruise ship at any time of day,” Judge Rowland declared.
Lucas Faces Imprisonment and Deportation
In addition to his prison sentence, Lucas faces deportation after serving his time. The judge further stated that it was highly unlikely Lucas would ever return to England and Wales or be employed on any cruise ship worldwide.
Lucas’s defense attorney, Richard Martin, argued that his client had been working on the cruise ship to support his wife and extended family back in India. He acknowledged the severity of the crime but suggested that Lucas’s career would be irreparably destroyed.
Princess Cruises Condemns the Assault
Following the sentencing, Princess Cruises issued a statement condemning the assault. A spokesperson reiterated that it did not reflect the company’s values. They confirmed that the assault had been immediately shared with law enforcement while Lucas’ employment was “promptly terminated.”
The cruise line also emphasized the safety of its ships, asserting that cruises remain generally for guests. “We are not going to minimize even one criminal incident, but cruising is a safe holiday option with crime rates far lower than on land,” a company representative told the news outlet.
Cruise ship sex-related crimes increased in 2023.
