Australian accused of cruise ship rape

An Australian man has been accused of raping a New Zealand woman on a cruise ship in the South Pacific, prompting investigations by Vanuatu and French authorities.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said a 37-year-old NSW man had been accused of rape aboard the P&O Cruise ship the Pacific Star on New Year's Eve, but no arrest had been made. French police had been called to the ship during a stopover at Lifou Island in New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands group. The 46-year-old female tourist was found bruised and in a state of shock in the early hours of the morning. The company would not comment on the alleged rape but had ensured that French, Australian, New Zealand and Vanuatu police were aware of the allegation. Sydney police were unaware of the alleged incident, a spokesperson said, adding it was normal practice for authorities in the next port of call to investigate alleged crimes on board ships.
Read More