In a shocking development, a Carnival passenger has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for sexually abusing his own daughter on board the ship. The man, identified as 44-year-old Tony G. Chaviano, was taken into custody after the vessel returned to port.
According to reports, Chaviano and his 13-year-old daughter were traveling on the Carnival Sensation cruise ship from Miami to Mexico when the alleged incident occurred. The girl told authorities that her father had touched her inappropriately multiple times during the voyage. She also claimed that he had asked her to engage in sexual activity with him.
The victim reported the abuse to ship security, who in turn notified the FBI. The agency conducted an investigation and ultimately arrested Chaviano when the ship arrived back in Miami.
This horrifying incident is a reminder of the importance of reporting any suspicions of child abuse or sexual assault. It also underscores the need for cruise lines to take sexual misconduct seriously and take steps to protect their passengers, especially children, from harm.
Carnival released a statement on the incident, saying that the safety and well-being of their guests is their top priority. The company is fully cooperating with the investigation and has offered support to the victim and her family.
Chaviano now faces federal charges of sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.
This is not the first case of sexual misconduct on a Carnival cruise ship. In 2019, a 25-year-old man was arrested for molesting an 11-year-old girl on the Carnival Fascination. The incident sparked scrutiny of Carnival’s security procedures and prompted the company to announce new measures to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.
While incidents like this are rare, they serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can lurk aboard cruise ships. Passengers must remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to authorities immediately. And cruise lines must do more to ensure the safety and security of their guests, especially the most vulnerable among them.
