MAIB Probes Crew Death in Arvia Lift-Shaft Accident
Fatal accidents at sea are rare, but this case puts cruise ship workplace safety under scrutiny as investigators examine how onboard machinery risks are controlled.
A crew member died aboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia after an onboard accident on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, while the ship was on a transatlantic voyage from Southampton to the Caribbean.
P&O Cruises confirmed the death and said an investigation is ongoing. A company spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends both on board and at home and we are providing every possible support to them.”
What is known about the accident
Maritime authorities have identified the case as an accident in a lift shaft. The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has formally listed it among its active investigations and described it as a lift-shaft accident.
P&O Cruises has not released the crew member’s name, role, nationality, or other personal details. A news agency in the Philippines reported the crew member was from the Philippines and linked the death to an elevator-related accident, but P&O Cruises has not confirmed the nationality.
Unscheduled stop in A Coruña after the death
After the incident, Arvia made an unscheduled call at the Port of A Coruña in northwestern Spain. Port officials said the visit was connected to the workplace incident and that the ship remained alongside for several hours before departing later the same day to continue toward the Canary Islands.
In a post on X, Port of A Coruña officials wrote: “Yesterday the Arvia made a stop in A Coruña following a workplace accident involving a deceased crew member.”
MAIB to begin initial assessment at the next port
The MAIB said inspectors will join Arvia at its next port of call to conduct a preliminary assessment and determine next steps. The action is being taken at the request of the Bermuda Ship Registry, because Arvia is registered in Bermuda.
MAIB investigations typically focus on establishing the circumstances and contributing factors of an accident, with the stated aim of improving safety and helping prevent similar incidents in the future. Authorities have not detailed a timeline for updates.
Voyage details and planned itinerary
Arvia sailed from Southampton on Friday, Oct. 24, for a 14-night transatlantic crossing scheduled to end in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Nov. 7. The ship’s first planned stop is Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Departure: Southampton, England (Oct. 24), beginning a 14-night transatlantic voyage.
- First scheduled port: Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
- Caribbean calls later in the sailing: St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and St. Lucia.
- Scheduled end of voyage: Bridgetown, Barbados (Nov. 7).
P&O Cruises and port officials indicated the ship continued sailing after the A Coruña stop, and no itinerary changes were announced in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Arvia and P&O Cruises fleet background
Arvia entered service in late 2022, with P&O Cruises describing it as the line’s newest ship. The Excellence-class vessel is listed at 185,600 gross tons and spans 16 decks, with capacity for up to 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew members. P&O Cruises has referred to Arvia as “The Sunshine Ship.”
Rare but serious workplace incidents at sea
Both accounts described crew fatalities as uncommon, while noting that cruise ships are complex workplaces that can involve machinery, engineering spaces, and other high-risk environments. The reporting also referenced past incidents elsewhere in the industry, including an elevator-related death aboard Carnival Ecstasy in 2015 and an explosion in an engineering compartment aboard Nieuw Amsterdam in 2024.
MAIB inspectors are expected to begin their initial work when they join Arvia at its next port call as the ship continues toward Tenerife and then onward to the Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happened aboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia?
A crew member died after an onboard accident on Oct. 26, 2025, during a transatlantic sailing from Southampton toward Tenerife and the Caribbean. Authorities have identified the case as a lift-shaft accident, and the circumstances are under investigation.
Who is investigating the death on Arvia?
The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch is preparing to board the ship at its next port of call to begin a preliminary assessment, at the request of the Bermuda Ship Registry, because Arvia is Bermuda-registered.
Did Arvia divert after the incident, and was the itinerary affected?
Yes. Arvia made an unscheduled stop at the Port of A Coruña in Spain, where port officials said the call was connected to a workplace accident involving a deceased crew member. The ship then continued toward Tenerife, and no itinerary changes were announced in the immediate aftermath.
What details has P&O Cruises released about the crew member?
P&O Cruises has not released the crew member’s name, role, nationality, or other personal details. The cruise line said it is supporting the crew member’s family and friends on board and at home.
