Philippines confirms death of seafarer aboard cruise ship

Philippines confirms death of seafarer aboard cruise ship
Liz Lagniton October 31, 2025 https://maritimefairtrade.org/philippines-confirms-death-of-seafarer-abo...

What was meant to be another long voyage across the Atlantic turned tragic when a Filipino seafarer lost his life aboard the MV Arvia, a cruise ship operated by P&O Cruises.

The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the tragedy on Thursday, October 30, describing the incident as a “profound loss” for the maritime community and extending its deepest condolences to the seafarer’s family.

The identity of the seafarer has not yet been released, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The licensed manning agency that deployed the seafarer reported that the circumstances surrounding the crew member’s death are still under investigation and that they are in ongoing coordination with the vessel owner to ensure a thorough and transparent process,” the DMW said in an official statement.

The department also highlighted the service and dedication of Filipino seafarers worldwide.

“This loss is profoundly mourned throughout the maritime community. Our seafarers serve with dedication and bravery in international waters, and we honor their service, professionalism, and sacrifice,” it said.

The DMW reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare, safety, and dignity of every Filipino worker abroad, particularly during times of grief and hardship. It assured that all necessary support would be extended to the family of the deceased.

“The DMW, along with the licensed manning agency, has already notified the family and continues to offer assistance and regular updates on every development of the case,” the department added.

Circumstances of death

According to earlier reports from international news outlets, the Filipino crew member died on October 26 while the ship was en route from Southampton, England, to Tenerife, Canary Islands.

Information from the United Kingdom’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch indicated that the crew member passed away in a lift shaft on the Bermuda-registered cruise ship.

The MV Arvia, one of P&O Cruises’ largest vessels, is a 16-deck ship capable of carrying up to 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew members.

It departed Southampton on October 24 for a 14-night transatlantic crossing to the Caribbean and is scheduled to arrive in Barbados on November 7. At the time of the incident, the ship was heading to Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

In a post on X on October 27, the Port of A Coruña, located on Spain’s northern coast, reported that the Arvia had made a stop there “following a workplace accident involving the deceased crew member”.

“It remained docked from 3.00 pm 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 post said.

Ongoing investigation

As of this writing, neither P&O Cruises nor the DMW has released detailed information on the specific circumstances of the incident.

The manning agency responsible for deploying the crew member is in continuous contact with the ship owner to facilitate a comprehensive investigation, while the DMW provides timely updates and assistance to the family throughout the process.

The maritime community has expressed sadness over the death, highlighting the demanding and often perilous conditions that seafarers face while at sea. As investigations continue, authorities aim to clarify the cause of death and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Some seafarers and netizens have expressed grief over the incident, sharing messages of sympathy and solidarity online. For many, the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the hazards faced by those who spend much of their lives away from home, working behind the scenes to keep the world’s ships moving.

“This is beyond heartbreaking. I’ve been on a few cruises and have met the nicest hardworking people. A lot of them work on these ships away from home to provide for their families. Condolences to his family,” wrote Ada Reid in an online comment responding to Marino PH’s post about the incident.

The MV Arvia continues its journey, with passengers and crew navigating the remainder of its Caribbean voyage under heightened awareness following the tragic event.

Filipino seafarers and maritime safety

The Philippines is one of the world’s leading suppliers of maritime labor, accounting for about 25 to 30 percent of the estimated 1.9 million seafarers serving on ships worldwide, according to the Maritime Industry Authority.

These workers are employed across various roles, including navigation, engineering, hospitality, and deck operations. Their contributions form a vital part of the global shipping industry, which carries over 80 percent of world trade.

However, their work often comes with risks — long separations from family, exposure to unpredictable weather, and the ever-present possibility of workplace accidents far from home.

Incidents such as the death of the Arvia crew member underscore the inherent dangers faced by seafarers and the importance of stringent safety protocols and rapid response measures aboard ships.

The DMW has previously emphasized the protection of Filipino seafarers, both in terms of labor rights and safety standards. The department regularly coordinates with manning agencies and foreign shipping companies to ensure that workers receive proper support in emergencies.