Man Arrested After Climbing Carnival Cruise Ship Like a Movie Stunt
A 29-year-old man has officially been charged after a dangerous stunt involving a Carnival cruise ship docked in Sydney, Australia.
The man, nicknamed “Spider-Man” on social media, was caught on video climbing the mooring lines of Carnival Adventure while it was docked at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on May 17, 2025.
The incident quickly drew attention from both bystanders and authorities. In a coordinated effort with the ship’s crew, New South Wales Police lowered the ropes to a waiting police boat, where the man was safely taken into custody.
Footage captured him being led away in handcuffs by four officers. Initial reports incorrectly listed his age as 30, but authorities later confirmed he is 29.
Facing Serious Charges
The man was transported to Day Street Police Station and has since been formally charged with three offenses related to unauthorized access.
These include entering a cleared zone without screening, as well as unlawfully entering both land-side and water-side restricted areas.
He was released on conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in court on June 11, 2025. If found guilty, he could face harsh penalties, including possible imprisonment, hefty fines, or house arrest.
While Carnival Cruise Line has not yet commented on the event, it’s expected the individual may receive a lifetime ban from sailing with Carnival or any of its sister brands. The company maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on behavior that compromises passenger or crew safety.
@wwww.tiltok.com.rf1969 Tom Cruise spotted at Curcular Quay during Mission Impossible Filming #missionimpossible #tomcruise #missionimpossible#13 ♬ INTERESTELLAR – Kore Blanco
A Dangerous Stunt With Deadly Risks
Beyond the legal trouble, the climb itself posed extreme safety hazards. Mooring lines are under massive tension and are designed to secure the ship against powerful ocean forces.
Any tampering with these ropes can be fatal. If one were to snap, the force could cause severe injury or even death, not to mention the risk of the ship drifting from the dock.
Observers noted that the man could have easily slipped and fallen between the ship and the pier — a space with deadly potential.
Similar accidents have occurred in recent months, including a child who fell between a Royal Caribbean ship and the dock at CocoCay and an elderly passenger who tragically died in St. Maarten after falling from a wheelchair into the harbor.
In this case, no injuries were reported, and the situation was resolved without harm. Still, cruise officials and law enforcement are urging the public to understand that such stunts are not just reckless — they’re potentially fatal.
