A lifeguard working aboard the MSC World America was arrested by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office after allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old passenger, according to NBC Miami. Rafael Cayetano Blanco, 38, of Guatemala, was taken into custody when the cruise ship returned to PortMiami on Saturday, August 22.
Blanco met the minor aboard the ship on August 16 and the two exchanged phone numbers, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by NBC Miami. The minor later went to Blanco’s cabin, where authorities allege sexual activity occurred.
The minor later returned to Blanco’s cabin on August 19 when the two allegedly had sex again. Blanco later confessed to both encounters, according to the arrest report.
Blanco was charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor and taken into custody after the MSC World America returned to Miami. Jail records indicated that he remained in custody on an immigration hold following his arrest.
The MSC World America departed Miami on August 15 for a Caribbean cruise with scheduled stops in Honduras, Mexico and the Bahamas, according to CruiseMapper.
In 2024, an adult passenger was arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old aboard the MSC Seascape.
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Image Credit: Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office – Rafael Cayetano Blanco