Crewman quizzed over child abuse on QM2 and Queen Elizabeth cruises
PA
A man who worked on two luxurious Cunard cruise liners is being investigated by police over allegations that he indecently assaulted child passengers over the last five years.
The crew member is accused of carrying out the assaults on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth, both of which take families on voyages across the Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean and the Baltic.
The parents of one of the children involved tipped off police, who have now contacted parents in various parts of the UK who they would like to interview as part of the investigation.
The unnamed man who lives in Wiltshire has not been arrested or charged although police sources told The Mail on Sunday that he has been interviewed by police.
Trips on the Queen Mary 2 can cost up to £120,000 and the Queen Elizabeth charges £5,000 for a 13-night Mediterranean cruise.
The investigation began last summer, by which time the worker had left the company, and Cunard bosses have also launched their own inquiry. They are also understood to be reviewing staff vetting procedures.
The company has not revealed what role the former worker had carried out, but he is said to have been a low-ranking employee who had regular contact with passengers.
The company has asked the NSPCC to speak to worried parents who may require counselling and advice.
A Cunard spokesperson said: "We are deeply shocked by these allegations as the safety and wellbeing of our customers is of paramount importance to us.
"A through police investigation is under way which we are supporting and co-operating with fully."
Related articles
No kids allowed: The adult-only cruise ship
165 people have gone missing on cruise ships since 1995
Sign up to our weekly newsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a fan on Facebook
