The FBI is investigating an incident that happened on board the Carnival Fascination.
Agents boarded the ship as it returned to port Monday morning. The passenger we spoke to said they were in a holding pattern as soon as the FBI started bringing its team on board. The ship had already left the port by Monday night on another cruise.
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On Monday, the ship returned from a four-day trip to the Bahamas and was met with FBI agents. A passenger on board who did not want to do an interview tells us Sunday, they heard an announcement a couple times asking for "medical staff." He thinks that call was related to agents boarding the ship Monday. The passenger said one law enforcement officer told them to "please move back" and they had to wait to get off the ship.
Former FBI agent and Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson said the FBI has to move in quickly to get the evidence they need in the case.
“Typically the FBI only gets involved if it’s a major case, something of significant magnitude that involves U.S. citizens, as suspect or victim,” said Carson. “Typically that’s a sex offense … It could be an assault or fight,” said Carson.
The FBI couldn't confirm what the allegation was, but released the following statement: "The FBI has the authority to investigate criminal offenses that are alleged to have occurred on the high seas or territorial waters of the United States. Agents from the FBI Jacksonville Division are currently reviewing information that came to our attention."
A spokesman for Carnival Cruise Line wouldn't say either, but did say the incident didn't involve any employees. The spokesman said, "Carnival Cruise Line can confirm that a team from the FBI boarded the Carnival Fascination when it docked in Jacksonville this morning to review an allegation regarding criminal misconduct among guests on board. Carnival contacted the FBI as per its standard protocol and will work closely with the agency as the review moves forward. Carnival Fascination returned from Jacksonville this morning following a four-day cruise, part of its four- and five-day cruise schedule from that port."
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