As part of Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued important guidance for passengers and crew on what to do in the event of a sexual assault at sea, and how to report it.

Cruise ships operate under a mix of international and national laws, but in many cases when voyages involve U.S. ports, crimes such as sexual assault may fall under FBI jurisdiction. Because of this, the agency emphasizes that timely reporting and proper handling of evidence are critical.

What To Do Immediately

According to FBI guidance, anyone who experiences or witnesses an assault should act as soon as possible:

• Get to a safe place
  Your immediate safety comes first. Move away from the situation and seek help.
• Report the incident right away
  Notify ship security, a supervisor, or the medical center. Cruise lines are required to document and respond to such incidents.
• Seek medical attention
  Medical staff onboard can provide care and help document injuries, which may later support an investigation.
• Preserve evidence
  If possible, avoid showering, changing clothes, or cleaning the area until medical or security personnel advise. This can help protect forensic evidence.
• Write down what you remember
  As soon as you can, note key details such as time, location, and any individuals involved. 

How To Report

The FBI advises that incidents can be reported through multiple channels:

• Onboard reporting:
  Contact ship security or management immediately so the incident is officially recorded.
• Directly to the FBI:
  Reports can be submitted online via the FBI tip system https://tips.fbi.gov/home or or call 1-800-CALL-FBI
• Through law enforcement at port:
  If the ship is docked or arriving soon, local authorities can also take a report and coordinate with federal agencies. 

The FBI notes that reporting as early as possible increases the likelihood of a thorough and effective investigation.

Recent data shows cruise ship sexual assault cases hit record high. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, reported sexual assaults on cruise ships reached 131 cases in 2025, matching the highest number ever recorded and increasing from 120 the previous year. However, maritime legal experts warn that these figures likely represent only a fraction of actual incidents.

Experts say awareness has not kept pace with risk. Michael Winkleman, a maritime attorney at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A, has cautioned that the gap between reported and actual cases remains significant, noting that reported figures should be viewed as a baseline rather than the full picture.

“There is always a huge discrepancy between what assaults actually occur aboard a cruise ship and what is actually reported… Consider the number 131 as the floor rather than the ceiling.”

Mr. Winkleman said the victims should never let the cruise line control the process:

“The mistake that will cause you the most damage is to let the cruise line take over the reporting process - because once you dock, they have already reconstructed their own spin on what happened, controlled the evidence, and found a way to work against you."

Photo credit: FBI-Norfolk