A Broward County cruise terminal that usually sees nothing more dramatic than delayed luggage turned into the scene of a serious criminal arrest on April 5, when a crew member was taken into custody at Port Everglades after a fellow crewmate accused him of raping her while their ship was at sea. The suspect, identified in an arrest report as 36-year-old Wigawa Putu Janu of Jembrana, Indonesia, worked aboard the Celebrity Xcel. The woman told investigators she had two shots of bourbon, then lost memory of the rest of the night before waking up naked and injured. A Broward judge ordered Janu held without bond at an initial hearing on April 6.
What Happened Onboard
According to Local 10, a Broward Sheriff’s Office arrest report states that the woman had been drinking with Janu after their shift and remembers taking two shots before losing consciousness. The report says she later woke up naked in his bed, noticed bleeding and marks on her shoulder and back, and then reported what happened to a supervisor. Broward Sheriff’s Office Detective Kyle Schnakenberg wrote that video showed the woman falling and the suspect attempting to lift and steady her as they walked toward his cabin.
Ship And Port Details
The alleged assault took place aboard the Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Cruises’ newest Edge-class vessel, which entered service in late 2025 and has been operating from Port Everglades. Cruise Industry News reported on the ship’s debut, noting its launch into Florida service, and Port Everglades is the Broward terminal where deputies say they took the suspect into custody when the vessel returned to South Florida.
How Crimes At Sea Are Handled
Under federal law, cruise lines are required to preserve evidence and report serious crimes that occur on board, including sexual assaults, under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, commonly known as CVSSA. The legislation was designed to strengthen video surveillance, crew training and victim support so that investigations do not sink the moment a ship leaves port. As outlined on Congress.gov, the CVSSA created reporting rules and standards that guide how incidents are documented and handed over to authorities when ships call at United States ports. That framework helps explain why local deputies met or boarded the vessel once the allegation was reported.
Court And Next Steps
Deputies arrested Janu when the ship returned to South Florida on April 5 and charged him with sexual battery. A Broward County judge ordered him held without bond at an initial appearance on April 6, according to Local 10. The arrest report includes a redacted statement from Janu, and investigators continue to review video and other evidence, according to the report. Local 10 reported that it contacted Celebrity Cruises seeking comment, and noted that the company had not issued a public statement at the time of its story.
Legal Context
Under Florida law, sexual battery is defined broadly and can be charged as a felony, with penalties that vary depending on the circumstances. The statute also defines terms such as a victim who is “physically helpless” or “mentally incapacitated,” which often become central in cases that involve intoxication. For the exact statutory language and classifications, see Florida Statutes, Chapter 794. The case will move through Broward County’s court system as detectives and prosecutors review the evidence and determine the next steps.
