Police in The Bahamas have launched an investigation into a reported sexual assault involving a 13-year-old girl aboard a cruise ship.

Officers from the Celebration Key Police Station were alerted around 7:30 am on March 29 by a security official at the port facility and subsequently boarded the vessel.

According to preliminary reports, the incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of March 28 while the ship was about 15 nautical miles off West End, Grand Bahama. The teen had earlier been reported missing by her mother at about 2:17 am and was located around 3:30 am.

Police said the victim reported that she met a male passenger on the night of March 27 on one of the ship’s decks and later accompanied him to his cabin. She alleged that the man inappropriately touched her and sexually assaulted her.

Investigators have since detained a 19-year-old male of US nationality in connection with the matter. He has been cautioned and is assisting police with the investigation.

Police said inquiries are ongoing.