Cruise Line Crew Member Arrested for Alleged Onboard Assault

A crew member on the Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore, identified as Ntando Sogoni from South Africa, was arrested by the FBI in Juneau, Alaska, on May 7. This arrest followed an incident where Sogoni allegedly attacked passengers on board.

The incident took place west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the ship was traveling to Alaska. On May 6, Sogoni reportedly attempted to deploy a lifeboat without justification. Ship security then escorted him to the medical center for an evaluation. 

During the examination, he assaulted a security guard and a male nurse. The altercation escalated when Sogoni stabbed an elderly woman with medical scissors, injuring her arm, hand, and face.

Two additional security guards sustained injuries while trying to restrain and detain Sogoni, who was eventually placed in the ship's onboard jail before the FBI took custody. 

The cruise line confirmed that the injuries sustained by those on board were not life-threatening.

The FBI has charged Sogoni with assault using dangerous weapons within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction. The U.S. Federal District Court will determine the outcome of the case. If convicted, Sogoni could face a $250,000 fine for each charge and up to 10 years in prison.

The Norwegian Encore, registered under the Bahamian flag, continued its voyage and departed from Juneau on schedule, heading towards Skagway.