MUSICIAN SPEAKS OUT ON MSC CRUISE ASSAULT

Alleged attack turns dream job into ordeal

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

A 29-YEAR-OLD Kraaifontein musician and mother is preparing to lay formal criminal charges on South African soil after she reported that she was allegedly sexually assaulted and choked by her colleague on the MSC Musica while at sea in Portugal.

MSC authorities have confirmed an investigation is underway.

She and the colleague, who is South African, performed as a duo aboard the ship.

The victim, who cannot be identified, told the Cape Argus this week, upon returning home from the cruise ship, that she is now preparing to formally open a case with the police.

In response to the Cape Argus' queries about allegations, an MSC Cruises spokesperson said: "A serious allegation of sexual assault was reported by one of our female onboard crew against a male crew member.

"This is currently being thoroughly investigated, and we have provided her with every level of support for her well-being.

"As the investigation is ongoing, we have nothing to add at this stage other than to say that we have a zero-tolerance policy towards any type of assault against any of our passengers or crew members."

What was supposed to be the dream opportunity for the young mother, allegedly became a nightmare on December 6.