Melbourne (Australia) - Nightmare on the high seas: A 61-year-old American woman wanted to celebrate her birthday on a cruise ship, but the dream trip took a terrifying turn.

As Daily Mail reports, she was the victim of a sexual assault on her birthday in March 2024 on the Royal Princess cruise ship - committed by crew member Fernando Saises.

The 46-year-old Filipino worked as a cabin steward on board the luxury liner and apparently wanted to surprise the woman with a special gesture.

He had left a cake made from towels and a birthday card with a personal message for her in her cabin.

But that was not all: a short time later, the Filipino entered the cabin without permission.

He grabbed the woman by the face and stuck his tongue in her mouth. Despite her resistance, he did not let go of her - the physical assaults became increasingly intense.

It was only when the woman panicked and screamed hysterically that the man left the cabin. The 61-year-old was finally able to escape via the balcony into an adjacent cabin. She reported the incident to security on board the same day.

On arrival in Melbourne, the 46-year-old was handed over to the police. Investigators secured evidence - including the victim's clothing and video recordings.

The man pleaded guiltyin court in Australia on Monday. He was sentencedto six months' probation and a fine of 1000 US dollars (around 940 euros).