Man arrested after jumping from a cruise ship earlier this month

An individual was arrested and faces possible charges in Japan after jumping from a cruise ship and swimming ashore in early February.

The Turkish national, named Duman Alper, 59, was detained for allegedly violating Japan’s Immigration Control Act.

He has denied the charge, according to Naha police, claiming he was unaware that he landed in Japan illegally. Investigators assert he came ashore without obtaining landing permission.

Man overboard alert

He was aboard MSC Bellissima, which operates itineraries from Keelung, Taiwan, to Naha. The ship had docked at Minato Town’s second cruise berth. Authorities didn’t disclose whether Alper was a passenger or a crew member.

After raising the man overboard alert, fire department officers and other responders searched the water and later discovered Alper at the quay. He was then taken into custody. Naha is the gateway to Japan’s Okinawa Islands.

MSC did not respond to our request for additional information.

Key tours for visiting cruise guests include the medieval Shuri Castle, Naha’s temples and shrines, and numerous local beaches.