Seabourn Cruise Passenger Files Complaint Alleging Being Drugged and Raped by Assistant Cruise Director Aboard the SOJOURN

SEATTLE,OnMarch 30, 2019, Brais Law Firm filed suit on behalf of its client, as cruise ship passenger, inthe United StatesDistrict Court for the Western District ofWashingtoninSeattle, Washington, against Holland America Line, Inc. (HAL Inc.), Holland America Line N.V. (HAL NV), and Seabourn Cruise Line Limited dba Seabourn Cruise Line (Seabourn). Per the lawsuit, the cruise passenger was drugged and raped by a Ship’s Officer, the Assistant Cruise Director aboard the SeabournSOJOURN. See, attached Amended Complaint.

On the evening ofMarch 28, 2019,and while socializing on Deck 5 in The Club aboard theSOJOURN,John Doe“suddenly began feeling foggy,” according to the Complaint. What John Doe didn’t know at the time, but what was later proven via hair sample tests is thatJohn Doehad been drugged with a type of “date rape” drug. The hair sample analysis was performed by a world’s leading expert, who concluded the testing is “highly indicative of a single exposure to carbamazepine, an antiepileptic drug, with sedative and antidepressant properties” consistent with a date rape drug and within the time frame of the rape, per the Complaint.

At no time leading up to the sexual assault hadJohn Doeever been diagnosed with any condition treatable with carbamazepine, been prescribed or filled a prescription for carbamazepine, or taken carbamazepine.

Moments before the drug took affect,John Doewas joined in The Club by the Assistant Cruise Director.John Doe’slast memories after having been drugged is the Assistant Cruse Director assisting him back to his (John Doe’s) stateroom and at the entrance toJohn Doe’sstateroom, after whichJohn Doesuccumbed to the date rape like effects of the carbamazepine, according to the Complaint. The following morningJohn Doeawoke and alleges he knew right away from physical evidence and pain that he’d been raped.

Concerned for his physical wellbeing and that he might contract HIV,John Doeconfronted the Assistant Cruise Director the following day about what happened in his stateroom. The Assistant Cruise Director allegedly admitted to performing certain sexual acts uponJohn Doe.John Doereported the rape and underwent a rape test examination by the Ship’s Doctor. Based upon his examination and photos taken ofJohn Doethat depicted bruising, the Ship’s Doctor concluded it was “probable” thatJohn Doehad been raped.

John Doe’sComplaint was only recently filed and, therefore, is only in its beginning stages with little to no discovery having been exchanged between the Parties.John Doe, however, is asking for help from the general cruising public or crew aboard theSOJOURNabout the Assistant Cruise Director, whose previous employers include:Royal Cruise Line, Sitmar Cruise Line, Cunard, American Hawaii, Radisson Seas and Paul Guaguin Cruises