Italian media report that prosecutors have opened an investigation following an alleged attempted sexual assault aboard one of the ships being used to accommodate athletes participating in the 2026 Mediterranean Games.

According to RaiNews, a young French athlete reported that a Moroccan football player made an unwanted sexual advance toward her aboard the floating athletes’ village in Taranto.

The woman, who competes in athletics, reportedly rejected the advance, but the man allegedly continued. She then called for help, attracting the attention of crew members.

Emergency medical personnel and police were called to the ship. The athlete was taken to a hospital for examinations but reportedly suffered no physical injuries and later returned to the athletes’ village.

Police have identified the Moroccan player and are interviewing witnesses as they work to establish what happened. Investigators have also obtained footage from the ship’s internal security cameras, particularly cameras located near the swimming pool area.

RaiNews reported that no formal measure had been taken against the player at the time of publication. He had already returned to Morocco with his national delegation while the investigation remained ongoing.

Two passenger ships are serving as floating hotels for athletes, coaches and national delegations during the Mediterranean Games: AROYA and Romantika.

AROYA, operated by Saudi-based AROYA Cruises, is the former World Dream. The 151,000-gross-ton cruise ship has 1,678 cabins and is the main accommodation vessel for the Games.

Romantika, operated by Estonia’s Tallink, is a cruise ferry with 636 cabins and capacity for approximately 2,500 passengers.

Both vessels are docked at the Italian Navy base in Taranto and together form the “Mediterranean Village.” Organizers said the ships would accommodate athletes and delegation members from 26 countries throughout the event.