A 52-year-old British mother’s dream vacation in Tunisia turned into a horrifying ordeal after a parasailing ride took a disturbing turn, leaving her feeling scared, violated, and helpless. Michelle Wilson, from England, had traveled to the coastal town of Sousse with her three children and a friend, expecting sun, relaxation, and adventure.
Instead, she says her trip was ruined when the parasailing instructor, strapped directly behind her during the ride, allegedly sexually assaulted her mid-air. Wilson explained that she and her friend had planned to go parasailing together, but when they arrived, the operator told them the wind was too strong for solo rides. This meant each customer had to be paired with a staff member. Her friend went first and returned saying the experience was wonderful, but for Wilson, things quickly turned into a nightmare. As soon as they were in the air, she says she felt uncomfortable. While she expected the instructor to be strapped closely behind her for safety, she claims he began pulling at the back of her bikini bottoms, adjusting the harness in a way that felt invasive.
“He must have been tightening the harness to bring me closer to him,” she told The Sun. The situation escalated when she alleges the man straddled her with his legs, kept one hand on the parachute straps, and placed the other on her leg. According to Wilson, he began groping her and moving against her while speaking in Arabic. Trapped high above the water with no way to escape, she says she tried arching her back to distance herself from him but felt powerless. “I felt violated and dirty and was scared,” she recalled, adding that parasailing was already nerve-wracking for her, but the assault made it terrifying.
She estimated the instructor was around 20 years old, which only added to her confusion about his actions. When they landed, Wilson says she immediately broke down in tears. She reported the incident to the water sports center’s management before going to the local police station to file a complaint. The story, first reported by The Sun, sparked outrage online, with many expressing sympathy and calling the alleged assault “horrifying” and “traumatic.”
One social media user wrote, “No one should ever experience something so terrifying during a vacation.” However, not everyone responded with compassion. Some commenters engaged in victim-blaming, suggesting her choice of clothing or her decision to participate in an activity that required close contact with a stranger somehow made her partly responsible. “What did you expect?” one wrote. Another commented, “If you wear a bikini and strap yourself to a strange man, this is bound to happen.” Others quickly pushed back against these views, pointing out that such comments perpetuate harmful attitudes. One reply read, “This is exactly why some men think it’s okay to violate women—because people defend them or turn it into a joke. Her clothing doesn’t give anyone permission to touch her.”
Still, parts of the internet mocked the situation, with some bringing up irrelevant pop culture references, which frustrated those trying to keep the focus on the seriousness of her claims. Wilson has remained firm in her stance, telling The Sun, “This wasn’t flirtation or teasing. This was a sexual assault.” Reports indicate the instructor may have since been arrested. She has received assistance from her travel insurance provider and the UK Foreign Office. The trip, which cost her around £6,000 (roughly $8,000) and was booked through easyJet Holidays, has now been overshadowed by the traumatic experience.
An airline spokesperson stated, “The safety and wellbeing of our customers is a top priority, and we are continuing to support Ms. Wilson. We’re also working closely with our hotel partner to investigate the incident.” According to a 2024 study by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, around 7% of reported sexual violence cases occur during international travel, with most committed by strangers or new acquaintances, often indoors. While over half of these incidents happen in European countries, North Africa was also noted as a region where such assaults occur.
The UK government reminds travelers that sexual assault is never the victim’s fault and urges anyone who experiences it abroad to seek immediate help. They advise getting to a safe location, contacting local authorities, and reaching out to the nearest British embassy or consulate for assistance. Rape Crisis England & Wales also emphasizes that victims should not hesitate to access support services to cope with the physical and emotional impact. For Wilson, speaking out is about more than her own case—it’s a warning to others and a call for survivors to come forward. Her story is a sobering reminder that even in moments meant for joy and adventure, personal safety should never be taken for granted.
