MAIB identifies lift-inspection safety failures after fatal Arvia accident

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its investigation into a fatal accident involving a crew member on the Bermuda-registered passenger vessel Arvia. The incident occurred at about 0552 on 26 October 2025, while the vessel was sailing from Southampton to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

The crew member was fatally injured while inspecting a passenger lift. According to MAIB’s report, the inspection took place before effective control of the lift had been established and involved entry into the lift shaft.

Failures in the work controls

MAIB identified several weaknesses in the way the task was prepared and managed. Communication and planning for the inspection were ineffective, while the permit-to-work process did not recognise that the work had moved beyond its authorised scope.

The report also found that self-resetting lift door interlocks had been relied upon as a safety barrier against lift movement. In addition, arrangements for lift maintenance training and the assurance of crew competence were inconsistent. The findings focus on the systems and controls surrounding the inspection rather than attributing the accident to a single factor.

Recommendation to Carnival UK

MAIB has recommended that Carnival UK Ltd review the use of self-resetting lift door interlocks as a means of preventing lift activation during maintenance or inspection work.

The report brings together the circumstances of the accident, actions taken afterwards and the safety issues identified by the investigation. It underlines the need for the scope of work, equipment control and personnel competence to remain aligned throughout lift inspection and maintenance tasks.