Arvia: a fatal lift accident, and the barriers that failed
The MAIB report examines a fatal lift inspection on 26 October 2025. Control of the lift had not been established before a technician entered the shaft.
What happened
On 26 October 2025, a technician was killed while inspecting a passenger lift aboard Arvia, on passage from Southampton to Tenerife.
Following repairs, the lift had been returned to normal operation for testing. The technician entered the shaft. When the doors closed, the interlocks reset and the car travelled upwards in response to a stored call.
What MAIB found
- Inspection planning and communication were ineffective.
- The team had not established control of the lift before entry.
- Self-resetting door interlocks were treated as a barrier against movement.
- The permit arrangements did not detect work beyond the authorised scope.
- Maintenance training and competence assurance were inconsistent.
The recommendation
MAIB recommended that Carnival UK review reliance on self-resetting door interlocks during lift maintenance and inspection.
Sources & verification
MAIB: Arvia investigation, report 20/2026 · Full report (PDF).
Report published 8 October 2026. Sources checked 11 October 2026. The accident occurred on 26 October 2025. This is a summary of a safety investigation, not a finding of legal liability.