11 cruise ship workers arrested in Boston over alleged child sex abuse materials in "Operation Tidal Wave"

Updated on: August 22, 2026 / 2:17 PM EDT / CBS Boston

11 cruise ship workers arrested in Boston over alleged child sex abuse materials in "Operation Tidal Wave"

TL;DR

  • Federal agents arrested 11 foreign workers on cruise ships in Boston.
  • The workers are suspected of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
  • The operation, "Operation Tidal Wave," took place between August 14 and 16.
  • Nine arrested individuals are from the Philippines, one from Indonesia, and one from Nicaragua.
  • The arrested workers were processed for removal under immigration law.
  • Previous operations in this series resulted in 41 arrests.
  • Cruise line companies are cooperating with law enforcement and have terminated the involved individuals.