A Michigan man has been sentenced to eight months in prison for making a false bomb threat against a Carnival cruise ship, an act he carried out in frustration after being left behind to care for his girlfriend’s pets while she went on the trip.
Joshua Lowe, 19, from Bailey, Michigan, was sentenced on Monday after pleading guilty to a federal charge of making a hoax bomb threat.
The incident occurred in 2023 when Lowe, upset by being excluded from the cruise, sent an anonymous email to Carnival Cruise Lines, claiming that a bomb might be aboard the “Sunrise” cruise ship.
The email prompted a major response, with the ship being diverted from its route to Jamaica for a thorough search. More than 1,100 rooms were inspected for a bomb that did not exist.
Authorities later traced the email back to Lowe, who admitted to sending it after being confronted by the FBI. He explained that his frustration stemmed from being left behind while his girlfriend’s family enjoyed the cruise.
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The bomb threat, which was later determined to be a hoax, not only caused a significant disruption to the cruise but also wasted valuable public safety resources, including law enforcement and emergency responders.
The incident led U.S. Attorney Mark Totten to remind the public of the serious consequences of such hoaxes.
“Hoaxes can endanger lives, incur needless costs, and divert public safety resources needed to address real threats,” said Totten in a statement.
During his sentencing, Lowe expressed deep regret for his actions, apologizing in a letter to the judge and stating that he was pursuing a “path to Jesus and God.” He also acknowledged that his actions were irresponsible and promised to learn from his mistakes.
The case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that can arise from making false threats, with Lowe’s prison sentence reflecting the seriousness with which authorities handle such incidents.
