Cruise Ship Passenger Accused of Viciously Beating Woman, Leaving Her Unconscious in Hallway

A man who beat a woman unconscious onboard a Norwegian Cruise ship is facing several charges from the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney's Office.

In his report, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling states footage from a surveillance camera aboard the Norwegian Gem shows Adam Damian Panetta drag the woman the whole length of a hallway.

The CCTV video shows the woman slap the 45-year-old in the face with an open hand as he tries to open a cabin door. At this point, Panetta punches her twice on the side of her head, rendering her unconscious.

The alleged assailant, from Farmingville, New York, then appeared to enter the cabin, leaving the woman on the floor.

"After about one minute, Panetta came out of the cabin and leaned down to the woman, who was unresponsive," the report added. "Eventually, the woman began to crawl into the room. Panetta did not appear to assist her, and as she began to crawl, Panetta kicked her twice in the buttocks. He then followed her into the room."

The attack allegedly took place on April 25, approximately 200 miles off the coast of New Jersey, beyond the boundaries of international waters.

Panetta was charged with one count of assault, and one of count of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury when the Norwegian Gem returned to port in Boston on Friday.

The charge of assault carries a sentence of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. The charge of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury can carry a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

In his report, the U.S. Attorney added the footage showed the couple leaving the room shortly after their altercation and making their way to the ship's medical center.

"The woman was holding a white towel over her head, which appeared to be stained with blood," the report states.

The woman was then treated for two separate injuries, which included "approximately 8 cm of swelling on the right side of her head as well as a 2.5 cm laceration that required five stitches."

The identity of the alleged victim remains undisclosed and it is not clear what her relationship with Panetta was, nor whether the duo knew each other before boarding the ship.

The Norwegian Gem entered service in 2007 and regularly undertakes regional cruises from ports in North America and Europe. The ship has a capacity of 2,394 passengers.