Man Charged After Allegedly Trying to Board Docked Cruise Ship
An Australian man is facing penalties after he allegedly attempted to climb aboard a docked cruise ship using mooring ropes. The unbelievable moment was caught on video and obtained by 9 News Sydney.
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New South Wales police confirmed that the incident occurred around 3 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 17. The suspect, whom police did not identify, allegedly scaled a Carnival Adventure cruise ship which was docked at Circular Quay. When authorities arrived, they found the attempted trespasser "suspended over the water from the mooring line." Rescue workers helped to lower the line, containing the suspect, into a police boat. The man was then taken to a local police precinct.
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Authorities confirmed that the man has been charged with three offenses: entering a cleared zone without being screened and cleared; entering a landside restricted zone without authorization; and entering a waterside restricted zone without authorization. Carnival has declined to comment on the incident, referring to it as a “law enforcement matter.”
Those on social media were quick to defend the suspect, with many in the comments drawing parallels between the hopeful cruiser and stunt-loving actor Tom Cruise. “Is that Tom Cruise?” someone asked. “Tom Notgoingtocruise,” another responded. Meanwhile, several commenters insisted authorities should give the suspect “a free holiday.”
The suspect was granted conditional bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 11. So far, police have not established a motive for his actions.