Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson, both 31-year-old Kentucky moms, have made disturbing claims of being drugged and sexually assaulted during an excursion from their Carnival Cruises ship at Pirate’s Cove beach resort on Grand Bahama.
The resort, however, disputes their account, leading to a contentious situation.
Conflicting Narratives:
The women assert that uniformed staff members at the resort gave them spiked cocktails and later assaulted them after luring them away under the pretense of collecting seashells.
The incident allegedly occurred on February 4, with two men subsequently arrested, although their identities remain undisclosed.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured the events, but Pirate’s Cove contends that the video does not align with the victims’ claims.
Resort’s Response:
Pirate’s Cove released a statement acknowledging an active police investigation and terminated the employment of the accused staff members, citing a violation of their zero-tolerance policy.
The resort emphasized inconsistencies between the women’s allegations and the surveillance footage. Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise, distancing itself from the incident, insisted that the victims were not part of their organized beach excursions.
Victims’ Perspective:
Dobson and Shearer embarked on their first kid-free overseas trip on February 1, choosing Pirate’s Cove based on Carnival’s advertising.
They allege that two men, whom they believed to be resort staff, offered them drinks, leading to a harrowing experience as they began feeling the effects of the spiked beverages.
Assault and Aftermath:
The women claim the men led them away, and their memory becomes hazy from that point onward. They describe waking up, feeling violated, and encountering resistance from Bahamian police when seeking rape kits.
Allegedly forced to change out of their swimsuits, they narrate a troubling experience in a bathroom and assert that their only medical examination occurred back on the cruise ship.
Legal and Medical Complications:
Dobson and Shearer faced challenges obtaining necessary medical attention and rape kits, claiming mistreatment by Bahamian authorities.
They argue that the US Embassy provided no assistance, and only upon returning to the cruise ship were they given a rape kit test. The toxicology report allegedly revealed drugs, but no alcohol, raising suspicions about the nature of the drinks they consumed.
Law Enforcement and Investigations:
The Royal Bahamian Police defended their response, stating they treated the case with professionalism.
They are collaborating with the FBI on the investigation and appointed Woman Assistant Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles, to oversee the inquiry.
However, attempts to contact Assistant Commissioner Knowles were unsuccessful.
Cruise Company’s Responsibility:
The women accuse Carnival Cruises of failing to warn them about potential dangers in the Bahamas, alleging a breach of the Cruise Ship Vessel Safety and Security Act.
Carnival maintains that their staff routinely shares safety guidance with passengers but faces criticism for marketing the specific excursion without adequate warnings.
Arrests and Political Speculations:
Local reports suggest that two men, aged 54 and 40, were arrested based on security footage provided by the resort. One suspect may have ties to a powerful figure in the Bahamas.
An anonymous call warned against premature claims of political involvement in the ongoing investigation.
Conclusion:
The alleged incident has ignited a dispute between the victims and the resort, with legal and investigative processes unfolding.
As the controversy continues, questions about safety measures, responsibility, and potential political influence linger, prompting scrutiny of the Bahamas’ tourism landscape.
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