P&O Arvia Cruise Photo Courtesy of P&O Cruises
NATION

Filipino seafarer dies in workplace accident

Kimberly Anne Ojeda

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Thursday, 30 October, the death of a Filipino crew onboard the passenger cruise ship Arvia operated by P&O Cruises. 

International news outlets earlier said P&O Cruises confirmed the death of the seafarer on Sunday, 26 October, noting that they are providing “every possible support” to the deceased seafarer’s family and friends both on board and at home. 

The 16-deck Arvia left Southampton last Friday for a 14-night voyage to the Caribbean and is scheduled to arrive in Barbados on 7 November. 

In a post on X, formerly twitter on 27 October, the Port of A Coruña said the Arvia made a stop in A Coruña “following a workplace accident involving the deceased crew member.” 

“It remained docked from 3 p.m. until night, when it set sail for Tenerife. Today the port is returning to normal with the 3,600 tourists from the Ventura and two double stops on the 28th and 29th,” the statement read. 

P&O Cruises and DMW have not yet released the details of the incident the but information from the United Kingdom’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch said the crew member died in a “lift shaft (elevator) on a Bermuda registered cruise ship while on passage from Southampton to Tenerife.”

According to DMW, the licensed manning agency of the seafarer has reported the circumstances surrounding the accident of the deployed seafarer remain under investigation with the vessel owner.

The agency has notified the next-of-kin and is extending assistance and updates on the developments on the investigation.

“The Department ensures all necessary support shall be provided to the bereaved family, including the repatriation of the seafarer’s remains.”