5 US cruise guests arrested after 'violent struggle' with police

Five U.S. cruise guests were arrested after fighting at the port in Nassau.

Authorities responded to reports of a “physical altercation involving several cruise ship passengers” on June 8, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a news release. Officers intervened and arrested two men and three women.

When police attempted to search them at the station, a “violent struggle” broke out between officers and the travelers.

“One female suspect allegedly threw a chair through a southern glass door, causing it to shatter,” the release said. “A male suspect then allegedly kicked out the remaining glass and attempted to escape, but was immediately subdued by officers. Additional police units were requested to assist in restoring order.”

The cruise passengers received treatment for minor injuries stemming from their first altercation, authorities said, while four officers were also hurt at the station, including one with “a serious injury to his left shoulder” who was taken to the hospital. Several police uniforms were damaged, as well.

The five travelers are being investigated in connection with assaulting a police officer, fighting in a public place, resisting arrest, malicious damage and disorderly behavior in a police station. Police did not name the suspects, the cruise ship, or the line they were sailing with.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].