According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, Norwegian hired Sogoni the day before the stabbing. He joined the Norwegian Encore in Seattle.
The affidavit said that crew members saw Sogoni trying to deploy a lifeboat on Sunday and that security officers escorted him to a medical center for an assessment. He then “became irrational and attempted to leave.” The FBI said Sogoni attacked a security guard and a nurse before running into a room where a 75-year-old woman was being examined.
Using a pair of scissors, the affidavit said, Sogoni stabbed the woman in the arm, hand and face. Security officers intervened, and Sogoni stabbed two guards in the head and back. None of the injuries were life-threatening, according to the affidavit.
Sogoni was detained and held in a jail on the ship until it arrived at its next port in Juneau, according to the affidavit. Based on information from Norwegian security, the stabbing is estimated to have occurred at 1:50 a.m. west of Vancouver Island, B.C.
Norwegian did not comment on the status of the victims or what vetting Sogoni received before beginning employment. The company told The Washington Post that it is assisting authorities in the investigation.
“We condemn violent behavior of this nature and are committed to the safety and security of all crew members and guests on our ships,” Norwegian said in an email statement. “We commend the onboard security team for their brave actions.”
The company did not confirm whether the trip continued as scheduled, but online cruise trackers show the Encore in Skagway, Alaska, as of Wednesday — aligning with the cruise itinerary.
