MSC World America Cruise Ship Lifeguard Engages in S*xual Intercourse With Minor Twice, Arrested
Rafael Cayetano Blanco, a 38-year-old lifeguard aboard the MSC World America cruise ship, was arrested at Port Miami for allegedly engaging in s*xual activity with a 17-year-old passenger. MSC Cruises stated he was immediately dismissed and law enforcement was notified. He is currently being held at the Metro West Detention Center in Miami-Dade County.
A crew member working as a lifeguard aboard the MSC World America cruise ship was arrested for allegedly engaging in s*xual activity with a 17-year-old passenger. Law enforcement detained the suspect at Port Miami following an investigation by local and federal authorities into the incidents, which reportedly took place inside the crew member's cabin during an ongoing voyage.
Arrest Details and Allegations
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, 38-year-old Rafael Cayetano Blanco of Guatemala was taken into custody on Saturday, August 22. Pensacola Teen Arrested for Performing S*x Act on Woman's Back Inside Escambia County Walmart.
Investigators state that Blanco and the teenage passenger first met on the ship and exchanged phone numbers on August 16. The affidavit alleges that the minor visited Blanco's cabin later that night and again on Wednesday, August 19, during which s*xual encounters occurred. Following the ship's arrival at Port Miami, law enforcement officers boarded the vessel and questioned the suspect. After receiving his Miranda warnings, Blanco allegedly admitted to the encounters. Court records show he is facing one count of s*xual activity with a minor and is currently being held at the Metro West Detention Center in Miami-Dade County with an immigration hold in place.
Cruise Line Response
Representatives for MSC Cruises confirmed that the individual involved has been dismissed following the internal discovery of the incident. “On discovery of a breach of conduct by a crew member and an alleged criminal act, we immediately contacted the relevant law enforcement authorities,” an MSC Cruise spokesperson said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "We fully supported the investigation and provided every assistance to the guest. The crew member concerned has been dismissed," the spokesperson added. Who Is Jed York? 49ers Owner Arrested for Trying To Pay USD 149 for S*x at Ohio Trailer Park.
Voyage Background
According to data from CruiseMapper, the incident unfolded during a scheduled voyage aboard the MSC World America. The vessel departed from Miami on August 15 for a 15-day round-trip itinerary, returning briefly to port on August 22 before continuing its journey toward Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Legal representation for Blanco has not yet issued a public comment regarding the charges.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 09:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
