Vacations are often seen as a time to relax, escape everyday stresses, and create happy memories. However, for one Michigan family, the same vacation turned out to be their worst nightmare. An unexpected turn of events—sparked by a hurt and frustrated teenager left behind at home—set off a chain reaction that involved federal authorities, international cooperation, and ultimately led to a prison sentence.
Joshua Darrell Lowe, a 19-year-old from Muskegon County, Michigan, was left behind by his girlfriend’s family when they went on a Carnival cruise to Jamaica in January 2024. His job was to watch over their pets, but Lowe was upset that they’d gone without him. In an act of frustration, Lowe made a rash decision and sent an email reporting a bomb threat to the Carnival Sunrise cruise ship, which had just departed from Miami.
The email read as follows: “Hey, I think someone might have a bomb on your sunrise cruise ship.” This email, as expected, triggered a massive security operation that disrupted the cruise and involved numerous authorities.
Upon receiving the email, Carnival Cruise Lines launched an immediate response. As per reports, the ship’s crew searched over 1,000 rooms to ensure no threat was present. To ensure full safety, the U.S. Coast Guard and Jamaican authorities were called in to help secure the situation. This delayed the ship’s journey and caused a lot of panic on board. Fortunately, no harm came from the false threat, but the situation created chaos and financial cost for all involved.
As investigations ensued, the FBI quickly traced the email to Lowe, who admitted to sending it out of anger over being left behind. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler emphasized the seriousness of Lowe’s actions, stating: “Anyone making a bomb threat should expect to be taken at his word. Fortunately, this particular hoax did not result in physical injury.”
In a court hearing, Lowe apologized for his actions, acknowledging his mistake and taking full responsibility. In a letter to U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney, he wrote, “This is all my fault, and I take full responsibility.”
Despite this apology letter, Lowe has been sentenced to eight months in federal prison for making a false bomb threat, a decision that underlined the severity of his actions.
Joshua Darrell Lowe, a 19-year-old from Muskegon County, Michigan, was left behind by his girlfriend’s family when they went on a Carnival cruise to Jamaica in January 2024. His job was to watch over their pets, but Lowe was upset that they’d gone without him. In an act of frustration, Lowe made a rash decision and sent an email reporting a bomb threat to the Carnival Sunrise cruise ship, which had just departed from Miami.
The email read as follows: “Hey, I think someone might have a bomb on your sunrise cruise ship.” This email, as expected, triggered a massive security operation that disrupted the cruise and involved numerous authorities.
Upon receiving the email, Carnival Cruise Lines launched an immediate response. As per reports, the ship’s crew searched over 1,000 rooms to ensure no threat was present. To ensure full safety, the U.S. Coast Guard and Jamaican authorities were called in to help secure the situation. This delayed the ship’s journey and caused a lot of panic on board. Fortunately, no harm came from the false threat, but the situation created chaos and financial cost for all involved.
As investigations ensued, the FBI quickly traced the email to Lowe, who admitted to sending it out of anger over being left behind. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler emphasized the seriousness of Lowe’s actions, stating: “Anyone making a bomb threat should expect to be taken at his word. Fortunately, this particular hoax did not result in physical injury.”
In a court hearing, Lowe apologized for his actions, acknowledging his mistake and taking full responsibility. In a letter to U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney, he wrote, “This is all my fault, and I take full responsibility.”
Despite this apology letter, Lowe has been sentenced to eight months in federal prison for making a false bomb threat, a decision that underlined the severity of his actions.
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