started · updated
MSC Cruises lifeguard arrested in Miami for alleged sexual activity with minor
Rafael Cayetano Blanco, a 38-year-old Guatemalan national, was arrested in Miami on August 22, 2026, following allegations of sexual activity with a 17-year-old passenger. Blanco was working as a lifeguard aboard the MSC World America during a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise.
Investigators allege that Blanco and the teenager exchanged phone numbers on August 16, the first day of the voyage. Authorities state that sexual activity allegedly took place in Blanco’s crew cabin on two separate occasions: once on August 16 and again on August 19. Blanco reportedly admitted to the activity during the investigation.
MSC Cruises confirmed that the crew member has been dismissed and stated that the company cooperated fully with law enforcement after discovering the alleged criminal act. Blanco has been charged with unlawful sexual activity with a specified minor, a second-degree felony in Florida when the perpetrator is 24 or older. He is currently being held at the Metro West Detention Center and is subject to an immigration detainer.
Entities
MSC Cruises · MSC World America · Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office · PortMiami · Rafael Cayetano Blanco
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Blanco and the 17-year-old passenger allegedly exchanged phone numbers on August 16. www.cruisemummy.co.uk · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Rafael Cayetano Blanco was arrested on August 22, 2026, for unlawful sexual activity with a minor. www.cruisemummy.co.uk · oliverwillis.com · nypost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Blanco is being held on an immigration detainer. nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Blanco was employed as a lifeguard aboard the MSC World America. www.cruisemummy.co.uk · nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Blanco is a Guatemalan national. www.cruisemummy.co.uk · nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] MSC Cruises dismissed Blanco following the allegations. www.cruisemummy.co.uk · nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sexual activity allegedly occurred twice: once on August 16 and again on August 19. www.cruisemummy.co.uk · nypost.com