In a shocking incident at Disney's idyllic private island, the director of Castaway Cay has been accused of raping a young American woman during a swim, turning a paradise getaway into a scene of alleged horror. The case has drawn attention to safety concerns at exclusive resort destinations owned by major corporations.

Gursel Sahibas, 65, faces charges of rape and indecent assault after reportedly assaulting a 29-year-old woman on a beach at the Bahamas-based resort, according to the New York Post source. The married island director allegedly continued to grope the victim in the water despite her repeated pleas to stop, as detailed in reports from sources close to the investigation.

The woman, who had been visiting the shipwrecked theme resort, reported the assault to Bahamas officials in the U.S. a week after returning to her home state of Florida. A formal written complaint was subsequently filed with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, leading to swift action against Sahibas.

Details of the Alleged Assault

The incident unfolded while the victim and Sahibas were out for a swim in the waters near Castaway Cay's beaches, where the director is said to have initiated unwanted physical contact. Sources indicated that the woman begged him to stop multiple times, but he persisted with the groping, escalating the situation into an alleged sexual assault.

Castaway Cay, known for its serene lagoons and family-friendly atmosphere, became the unlikely backdrop for this reported crime, highlighting potential vulnerabilities even in controlled private environments. The victim's decision to report the incident after returning home underscores the challenges of addressing assaults in international settings.

Although the assault was reported as occurring in a public area of the resort, the exclusivity of the island—reserved only for Disney Cruise Line guests—may have contributed to a sense of isolation for the victim. Details from the complaint emphasize the power dynamic, with Sahibas holding a prominent leadership role at the site.

Legal Proceedings and Charges Filed

Sahibas was arrested in Great Abaco, an island near Castaway Cay, following the formal complaint to Bahamian authorities. He was then transported to Nassau, where he appeared in court on Thursday morning to face charges of rape and indecent assault.

During the court appearance, Sahibas, a British national, was granted $15,000 cash bail with the condition that he have no contact with the victim. His attorney, Tamika Roberts, successfully requested permission for him to return to his home in Liverpool, though he must appear back in Bahamian court on January 21.

The legal process has moved quickly, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations and the international jurisdiction involved. Sahibas's bail conditions aim to ensure compliance while allowing him temporary freedom, but the pending trial could have lasting repercussions for his personal and professional life.

Background on the Accused Director

Prior to the allegations, Sahibas served as the director of Castaway Cay, overseeing operations at the private island that caters exclusively to Disney Cruise Line guests. He was recently featured in a Nassau Guardian article, where he was shown helping youngsters learn about agricultural harvesting, portraying him as an engaged community figure.

As a 65-year-old married man and British citizen, Sahibas had built a career in resort management, culminating in his role at one of Disney's prized Caribbean assets. The charges have now overshadowed this public image, leading to his reported loss of employment with the Disney Cruise Line.

Disney, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment, has apparently moved to distance itself from Sahibas following the arrest. His attorney's efforts to secure his return to Liverpool suggest an attempt to maintain normalcy amid the unfolding legal battle.

Lessons to Learn

1. Trust Your Instincts and Speak Up: If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe during a vacation or interaction, remove yourself from the situation and alert someone in authority as soon as possible. In locations removed from your home country, ensure you know how to contact both local officials and your consulate.

2. Delayed Reporting Doesn’t Diminish Validity: Victims sometimes delay reporting due to fear or uncertainty, especially in foreign settings. This case highlights that coming forward later can still lead to action. Always know your right to report, no matter the timing.

3. Crime Can Happen Anywhere: Remote islands or controlled environments — even those affiliated with well-known corporations — are not immune to criminal behavior. While precautions are important, nothing replaces structural accountability. Regardless of where a crime happens, the fault always lies with the perpetrator, never the victim.

Why This Story Matters

This case draws attention to the importance of cross-border justice in alleged crimes that occur at international resort destinations. It calls into question the safeguards in place at private or corporate-owned venues and how allegations are handled when they surface after guests leave the premises. Beyond the presentation of charges and courtroom dates, it represents a broader concern about security and accountability in travel environments.

Conclusion

This story centers on Gursel Sahibas, the 65-year-old former island director at Disney’s Castaway Cay, who has been charged with rape and indecent assault connected to an alleged attack on a 29-year-old American woman on the island. After the woman filed a complaint upon returning home to Florida, Bahamian police arrested Sahibas, who was then granted bail and allowed to return to Liverpool, England, pending his January 21 court date. Although Disney has not publicly addressed the allegations, Sahibas has been dismissed from his position as investigations continue amid growing media attention.