Texas Woman Sues MSC Cruises After Alleged Rape by Crew Member Aboard MSC Sinfonia
A Texas woman sailing under the pseudonym Jane Doe (I.M.) has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises S.A. in the Southern District of Florida. The case, Case No. 1:25-cv-25045-JEM, arises from an alleged sexual assault that took place on November 12, 2024, aboard the MSC Sinfonia, during an international voyage in navigable waters.
Cruise Passenger Alleges She Was Raped by Crew Member Who Illegally Entered Her Stateroom
According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe was a paying passenger aboard the MSC Sinfonia when she realized she had forgotten her stateroom key and decided to wait outside her cabin for her sister to return. A crew member identified as a stateroom attendant, wearing an official MSC uniform, reportedly approached her, unlocked the door, and allowed her into the cabin.
After she entered and began using the restroom, the same crew member allegedly re-entered the cabin without permission, physically restrained her, and sexually assaulted and raped her. The crew member then exited the stateroom. Shortly after, her sister returned and contacted shipboard security. Jane Doe was then examined at the vessel’s medical facility.
MSC Accused of Failing to Prevent Assaults by Crew Despite Pattern of Prior Incidents
The complaint accuses MSC Cruises of failing to implement adequate safety, security, and warning protocols to protect passengers from foreseeable sexual violence by crew members. The plaintiff’s legal team cites internal cruise industry data showing 20 reported sexual assaults on MSC vessels between 2023 and mid-2025—eight of which allegedly involved crewmembers as perpetrators.
The lawsuit also lists at least nine prior incidents involving sexual assault of passengers by MSC crew members across various vessels, including the MSC Divina, MSC Seascape, MSC Meraviglia, and MSC Sinfonia. The filing alleges that MSC knew or should have known about the likelihood of such attacks, especially given the reported history and pattern of similar assaults, and failed to take preventive action.
Lawsuit Asserts MSC Is Vicariously Liable and Seeks Damages for Physical and Emotional Harm
Jane Doe asserts that MSC is strictly vicariously liable for the actions of its employee, who was acting within the scope of his employment. She also brings claims for:
- Negligent failure to warn passengers about the risk of sexual assault
- Negligent security due to lack of surveillance and supervision in passenger areas
- General negligence for failing to enforce policies, adequately train and monitor staff, and comply with federal safety statutes such as the Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act
The lawsuit alleges that MSC’s failure to disclose the prevalence of sexual assaults aboard its ships is financially motivated—to avoid alarming prospective passengers and jeopardizing bookings.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for PTSD, Emotional Trauma, and Lost Cruise Value
As a result of the alleged assault, Jane Doe claims to have suffered:
- Physical pain and trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Severe emotional distress and mental anguish
- Disfigurement and disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Ongoing medical and psychological treatment needs
She also seeks damages for the loss of the cruise experience, as the remainder of her vacation was irrevocably affected by the incident. Her complaint seeks a jury trial and all available compensatory and punitive damages under maritime law.
Cruise Sexual Assault Cases Are on the Rise: Victims May Have Legal Recourse Against Cruise Lines
Sexual assault at sea remains one of the most underreported but pervasive dangers aboard cruise ships. When assaults are committed by crew members, cruise lines may be held strictly liable under federal maritime law. Victims are entitled to pursue justice and compensation when cruise companies fail to implement proper safety protocols, provide warnings, or adequately screen and supervise their employees.
If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted on a cruise ship, especially by a crew member, you may have a valid maritime personal injury claim.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise sexual assault attorney.
Disclaimer:
Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
