Passenger Crime (Bomb Threat) on Genting Dream: Incident on 13 October 2023

On 13 October 2023, a 39-year-old man was arrested and formally charged with issuing a bomb threat against the cruise ship Genting Dream while the vessel was berthed at Singapore's Marina Bay Cruise Terminal. The threat, reported to Singaporean police at approximately 4 pm local time, prompted immediate security assessments by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Marina Bay Terminal security personnel. No explosive devices were discovered.

The incident temporarily suspended cruise shipping operations at Singapore Port for approximately 2 hours and delayed passenger embarkation for around 4,000 tourists. The suspect was apprehended within 3 hours and subsequently placed under remand at the Institute of Mental Health for medical evaluation.

The bomb threat was communicated via email to Resorts World Cruises' customer service department with the subject line "Bomb at Resorts World Cruises." The email contained a threatening message stating, "Please return me back my money, else the ship will explode, and everyone will be dropped into the sea." Local authorities responded immediately by initiating comprehensive security checks aboard the vessel. Following a swift investigation, the 39-year-old suspect, Neo Hui Ghim, was apprehended approximately 3 hours after the threat was reported.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• No evacuation was required; all passengers and crew remained safely aboard during security assessments.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Marina Bay Terminal security personnel responded immediately upon notification of the threat. Comprehensive security checks were conducted aboard Genting Dream. Cruise shipping operations at Singapore Port were temporarily suspended for approximately 2 hours to allow thorough investigation and clearance of the vessel.

Following apprehension, the 39-year-old suspect, Neo Hui Ghim, was formally charged with issuing a bomb threat. In light of potential mental health factors related to the suspect's actions, Neo Hui Ghim was placed under remand at the Institute of Mental Health for medical evaluation. The suspect potentially faces severe penalties, including up to 7 years of imprisonment, a financial penalty of SGD 50,000 (approximately USD 36,500), or a combination of both.

Genting Dream departed Singapore at 8:50 pm local time on 13 October 2023 following clearance by authorities. The vessel proceeded with its scheduled 1-night/2-day roundtrip itinerary. No explosive devices were discovered during security assessments.