South African authorities opened an investigation following allegations of sexual assault aboard the cruise ship MSC Musica on December 6, involving a 29-year-old South African staff member who was employed as an onboard musician.

The woman, who returned to South Africa days before opening the case, reported that she was sexually assaulted by a male colleague who was part of the same music duo performing onboard. Both individuals are South African nationals. The alleged perpetrator, described as a well-known figure in the local music industry, has since disembarked from the ship and is expected to return home.

According to information reported by South African media, the woman continues to experience emotional distress and said opening the case was a difficult but necessary step to seek accountability.

The alleged incident is said to have been preceded by inappropriate sexual remarks made by the colleague, which the woman rejected while attempting to maintain a professional working relationship. She alleges that six days after boarding the ship, the colleague followed her to her cabin after a performance, forced his way inside, and sexually assaulted her.

She further alleges that days later, during a separate incident at the crew bar, the same colleague assaulted her in public by grabbing her neck and choking her, prompting her to formally report the behaviour.

The woman was contracted for a six-month performance aboard MSC Musica, which is sailing itineraries to the Canary Islands and Madeira. She alleges that after reporting the incident to shipboard human resources and her agency, she was instructed to continue performing with the colleague under a “show must go on” approach and warned about possible contract termination. She opted to involve MSC shipboard security rather than local Portuguese law enforcement while the vessel was operating in Europe.

Local media reports that MSC Cruises has confirmed the allegations and said the matter is being thoroughly investigated. The cruise line stated that it has a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of assault involving passengers or crew members and that support was provided to the complainant.