CANBERRA, ACT, Feb. 1 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
A United Kingdom national is scheduled to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on 18 February, 2026, after being charged over an alleged assault on a cruise ship.
The AFP charged the man, 71, yesterday (31 January, 2026) after the vessel returned to port in Sydney.
The alleged incident is reported to have occurred on 28 January, 2026, while the ship was sailing outside Australia's outer adjacent area, pursuant to the Crimes at Sea Act 2000 (Cth).
The man was arrested and charged with:
* One count of assault occasioning bodily harm, contrary to section 24(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT), by virtue of section 4A(1) of the Jervis Bay Territory Acceptance Act 1915 (Cth) and section 6(2)(a) of the Crimes at Sea Act 2000 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is five years' imprisonment.
Detective acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said safety on board international vessels was paramount.
"The repercussions of alleged criminal behaviour remain even when an offence occurs at sea. Where Australian law applies under the Crimes at Sea framework, the AFP will move swiftly to investigate incidents and bring alleged offenders before the courts," Detective acting Superintendent Robinson said.
"We work closely with cruise operators and maritime partners to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, and to make it clear unlawful behaviour on vessels connected to Australia will be addressed."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
