Federal officers arrest 11 cruise crew members in Boston operation
Authorities boarded Holland America’s Volendam and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway during Operation Tidal Wave.
Customs and Border Protection officers and Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested 11 cruise ship crew members in Boston during Operation Tidal Wave, according to a government news release.
The arrests took place from Friday, August 14, through Sunday, August 16, aboard ships owned by Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line. Federal officers boarded Volendam and Norwegian Breakaway as part of the operation.
CBP alleged that the crew members had received and distributed child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Officers searched their living quarters and electronic devices before consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, according to the agency.
Authorities said nine of those arrested are citizens of the Philippines. One is an Indonesian national, and one is a citizen of Nicaragua. CBP said the crew members were scheduled to depart the United States with assistance from a cruise ship representative.
Operation Tidal Wave has also resulted in administrative enforcement actions involving more than 40 crew members from nine ships in San Diego and Puerto Rico earlier in 2026, according to CBP.