Eleven individuals were arrested for alleged possession and distribution of child pornography aboard two cruise ships docked in Boston, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced Thursday. The arrests occurred between August 14 and August 16 and mark the third such takedown involving cruise ship crew members this year.
The individuals arrested are foreign laborers, including nine from the Philippines, one from Indonesia, and one from Nicaragua. They were employed on Holland America Line’s Volendam and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway. Federal agents searched electronic devices and living quarters as part of the operation.
"Protecting children from exploitation is among our highest priorities, and this operation demonstrates the critical role CBP officers play in identifying and stopping individuals who pose a threat to public safety," Julio Caravia, acting director of field operations for CBP’s Boston Field Office, said in a press statement.
The identities of those arrested have not been released, and authorities have not specified the number of individuals apprehended on each ship. Those arrested are scheduled for deportation.
This operation is part of Operation Tidal Wave, a multi-agency initiative led by CBP and the Department of Homeland Security. The operation specifically targets cruise ship crew members involved in the distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Previous phases of Operation Tidal Wave have resulted in similar actions. In April 2026, a phase conducted in San Diego led to administrative enforcement actions against 27 crewmembers from six vessels, all of whom were processed for removal. A subsequent phase in San Juan during June and July 2026 involved administrative enforcement actions against 14 crewmembers from three vessels, with one crewmember facing federal prosecution.
Norwegian Cruise Lines and Holland America Lines did not immediately respond to requests for comment.