MAIB cites planning and lift control failures in fatal accident on P&O cruise ship

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has found that ineffective task planning and communication, and the absence of positive control of the lift, led to the death of a crew member aboard P&O Cruises' Arvia.

The electrical technician was fatally crushed while inspecting passenger lift 14 at about 05:52 on October 26, 2025.

The 344.5-metre Bermuda-registered ship was then 75 nautical miles north-west of Cape Finisterre, Spain, on passage from Southampton to Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The inspection followed overnight repairs, after which the lift was returned to normal operation. Unable to open the deck 12 landing doors, the technician entered the shaft from deck 14. The lift then moved in response to a stored call signal.