British Mother Alleges s*xual Assault During Parasailing Trip in Tunisia
What should have been a sun-soaked family adventure in Tunisia turned into a harrowing ordeal for a British mother, whose dream parasailing experience quickly became a nightmare. Suspended high above the turquoise waters, she alleges that the instructor assigned to her engaged in unwanted s*xual contact, leaving her shaken and traumatized.
The 52-year-old woman from Southport had booked a parasailing session as part of a family vacation with her three children and a friend.
Due to strong winds on the day of the activity, organizers instructed participants to fly individually with instructors rather than in tandem. While her friend’s flight passed without incident, the mother says her own ride escalated into an alarming situation.
Speaking to The Sun, she described the terrifying moments mid-air. “When he adjusted my harness, I felt him pulling at the back of my bikini bottoms,” she recounted.
“His legs wrapped around me, one hand holding the parachute, the other… I could feel him pressing against me and groping me while speaking in Arabic. I kept trying to arch away.”
Suspended tens of meters above the shore, she felt “violated, dirty, and terrified.” She estimated her alleged assailant to be around 20 years old.
After safely landing, she reported the incident to the water sports center management and then filed a formal complaint with local authorities.
The family’s holiday, a $7,700 easyJet package including her 17-year-old daughter, twin 16-year-old sons, and her daughter’s friend, was thrown into distress. “You might expect a bit of banter from men in these countries,” she said, “but this went far beyond that — it was s*xual assault.”
Authorities in Tunisia are reportedly investigating, and the alleged perpetrator is believed to have been detained. Both her travel insurance provider and the UK Foreign Office are involved in the case.
An easyJet spokesperson commented: “The safety and wellbeing of our customers is a priority. We are working closely with our hotel partner to investigate these reports.”
Conclusion
A moment that should have been thrilling became a source of fear and trauma, underscoring the vulnerability of travelers in unfamiliar environments.
The allegations raise serious questions about safety protocols at tourist attractions, and while Tunisian authorities continue their investigation, the incident serves as a stark reminder that even idyllic vacation experiences can take a dangerous and unexpected turn.