The US Coast Guard will take criminal action against those committing sexual assault at sea, a senior official at the agency said on Wednesday.

Assistant commandant for prevention policy John Mauger encouraged anyone who has suffered sexual abuse on board a US-flag vessel to report it.

He was speaking at the Connecticut Maritime Association's 2021 conference in Stamford — and following bombshell rape allegations made by an anonymous student at the US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).