Tourists who absconded cruise ship to spend weekend in police custody

The 3 American visitors who were found yesterday (July 27) after they went missing from a cruise ship in Ocho Rios St. Ann on Thursday, may have to spend the weekend in police custody.

This as, police say, it will be difficult to process them and arrange for their return to America, until some official agencies such as the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the US Embassy are opened for business next Monday.
45 year-old Donald Henderson, 43 year-old Maria Henderson and 21 year-old Aja Henderson, came to Ocho Rios, on the Carnival Freedom Cruise ship.

They were found at a Villa in Discovery Bay yesterday, reportedly in good health and taken into police custody for questioning.

Police believe the 3 visitors absconded, or left the ship with no intention to return, as their cabins had been stripped of all personal effects.

Head of the Ocho Rios Police DSP Gary Francis says efforts will be made to arrange for the Americans to be sent home, as soon as possible.

However, the process will depend on their status, including acquisition of passports, because they had travelled on the ship with only their birth certificates.

DSP Francis says he cannot confirm if the 3, who are related, have family in Jamaica, and police are yet to determine why they left the cruise ship.

He adds that the 3 visitors face possible charges for breaching the Immigration Act, as they were in the island beyond their stipulated visiting time, without permission.