Cellphone cameras can capture the joy of taking a cruise. However, they also tempt people from taking unsavory candid photos as well. People hide their cameras, and then take inappropriate photos without the victim’s knowledge. Common names for these shots are either “upskirt” or “downblouse” photos. Unfortunately, this is what recently occurred onboard a cruise ship. A guest walked around the ship snapping upskirt photos of other cruise ship passengers.
About Cruise Ship Sexual Harassment
People often assume that sexual harassment doesn’t happen aboard cruise ships. Yet, statistics disagree. In fact, it is scarily more common than many know. In fact, escalated sexual harassment like rape and sexual assaults are the two most common kinds of crimes that take place at sea. Unfortunately, cruise ships often keep these traumatic and life-changing events in the dark from the general public.
Inappropriate Cruise Photos
A 31-year-old male passenger onboard an unidentified cruise ship walked around the ship sliding his camera underneath the skirts of female passengers and would snap photos of their genitalia and buttocks. One victim, a 13-year-old girl felt the man touch her leg as she stood near the railing of the ship. A nearby adult saw the male passenger snapping the photo of under the child’s dress.
The ship’s security reviewed the footage and confirmed the victim’s story. The FBI later reviewed the contents of the male passenger’s phone. They found photos of the girl along with 42 other upskirt photos of different passengers. The man was arrested and is facing up to a year in prison with a $100,000 fine.
Upskirt and other voyeurism photos are on the rise in public places like cruise ships. These acts may not violate voyeurism statutes, but they are deemed as sexual harassment. Unfortunately, experts expect these incidents to grow. Just last year, a passenger on the Carnival Fantasy uncovered a spy camera in her cabin. This is why it is important to report any sexual harassment or voyeurism crimes not to just the police but also to a knowledgable complex litigation attorney like those found at the Michael Brady Lynch Firm.
We Can Help Cruise Ship Victims
At The Michael Brady Lynch Firm, our lawyers have decades of experience helping injured people get justice and full compensation for injuries caused by negligence. Given that lawsuits against cruise ships are in a venue favorable to the cruise lines, it is incredibly important to have an experienced attorney with ample resources to prosecute your claim. The Michel Brady Lynch Firm regularly takes on the largest corporations in the world with a track record of proven success and results. Contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm today, and our attorneys will review your case for free and help you protect your rights. For your complimentary consultation, call our office now.