An NCL-Norwegian cruise ship worker, identified as Ntando Sogoni from South Africa, has been arrested by the FBI in Alaska following accusations that he stabbed three individuals with medical scissors while onboard.
According to reports, Sogoni was recently employed by NCL and joined the Norwegian Encore ship in Seattle on Sunday, May 5th, for a 7-day roundtrip voyage to Alaska.
The incident, which led to Sogoni's detention in the brig (ship’s jail) and subsequent arrest in Juneau on Tuesday, May 7th, occurred while the Encore was navigating west of Vancouver Island en route to Alaska.
Sogoni is now charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a US$250,000 fine upon conviction.
In a statement, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska said:
"According to court documents, on May 6, 2024, Ntando Sogoni, 35, was working on the cruise ship when other ship employees observed the defendant attempting to deploy a lifeboat.
"Sogoni was contacted by ship security and escorted to the ship’s medical center for an assessment.
"Upon arrival, Sogoni physically attacked a security guard and a male nurse inside an examination room and proceeded to enter another examination room where a woman, who is a U.S. citizen, was being examined.
"He grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed the woman multiple times in the arm, hand and face. He also stabbed two security guards who intervened - one in the head and one in the back and shoulders."
For more Norwegian Encore incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.