A lifeguard working on the MSC Cruises ship MSC World America was arrested after allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old passenger. Rafael Cayetano Blanco, a 38-year-old Guatemalan national, was taken into custody on August 22, following the ship’s return to PortMiami. According to an affidavit, Blanco met the teenager on August 16, and they exchanged phone numbers. The minor reportedly visited Blanco’s cabin, where they engaged in sexual intercourse.
The affidavit details that the teenager returned to Blanco’s cabin on August 19, and sexual activity allegedly occurred again. After the incidents, Blanco was questioned by authorities, during which he reportedly admitted to having consensual sexual intercourse with the minor. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami.
Blanco faces one count of sexual activity with a minor, and an immigration hold has been noted in the arrest records. He is currently detained at the Metro West Detention Center in Miami-Dade County. MSC Cruises stated that they promptly notified law enforcement upon learning of the alleged crime and have cooperated with the investigation while assisting the passenger and terminating Blanco’s employment.
The MSC World America had departed Miami on August 15 for a 15-day round-trip cruise and returned to PortMiami on August 22 before continuing its voyage to the Dominican Republic. The vessel is scheduled to return to Florida on August 29. The allegations against Blanco remain unadjudicated in court.
