Latest news with #LyndaHardiman-Pearce
Business Mayor
06-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
This is what happens when someone dies on a cruise ship
Going on holiday is something everyone looks forward to, and few places are better equipped for having a good time than cruise ships. But as with everything in life, they must also be prepared for the worst. On Saturday, a passenger died on a cruise ship in British waters. The victim, 60, was on the MSC Virtuosa when it left Southampton on Saturday evening for a two-night cruise to Bruges, Belgium. An army medic administered CPR, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, passenger Lynda Hardiman-Pearce said. A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Deaths like these are rare, but they're not unheard of. So what actually happens when someone dies at sea? Here's everything you need to know. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. When someone dies on a cruise ship, what happens next depends on many different factors, including where the vessel is and cruise liner policy. Cruise ships are required to have at least one medical professional on board, as well as an examination and intensive care room. The onboard doctor will pronounce a death after all medical efforts have been exhausted and the body has been examined. They will inform the people travelling with the passenger, or contact the passenger's next of kin if they were alone. Zoe Adjey, Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of East London, tells Metro that cruise ships have procedures for all passenger health situations, including end-of-life. 'Staff members receive training to handle these sensitive situations compassionately, including providing emotional support for family members,' she explains. 'They're there to help the family or friends with whatever they need.' The death is then recorded in the ship's log and the flag state, meaning the country the ship is registered in. Dr Asimah, a registered GP working with travel insurance provider Staysure says: 'From a medical and procedural perspective, accurate records and death certificates are essential for local authorities, enabling the next steps.' If the death occurred in international waters, is being treated as suspicious, or a crime has been committed, local authorities have jurisdiction. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), each country has jurisdiction within 12 nautical miles of its shores. You won't see it advertised, but most major liners are required to have a morgue. They are typically found on the lowest deck, and usually have space for three to six bodies. Additionally, some cruise ships will have a chapel or religious area where the last rites can be performed, according to the person's faith. The body will need to be stored until the ship docks at the next suitable port. Generally, cruise lines will ensure that a death onboard is handled as discreetly as possible. However, if you hear a crew member say the words 'Operation Bright Star,' it means there has been a medical emergency. If the phrase is 'Operation Rising Star,' it's code for a passenger death. Read More Chile Ends All Covid Border Measures Unfortunately, cruise lines do not cover the cost of a passenger's death. Therefore, it's vital to have travel insurance that covers all eventualities. Dr Asimah explains why a cruise travel insurance policy is important. The expert says: 'It can cover the complex and often costly process of repatriation, including coordination with local officials, consulates, and specialist airline providers to return the deceased to the UK with care and dignity.' According to the International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health, 623 reported deaths were reported at sea between 2000 and 2019. According to that research, 89% were passenger deaths, while 11% were crew deaths. The leading causes of passenger deaths were falls overboard or onto lower decks, cardiac incidents, and suicides. For crew deaths, these were suicide, murder and falls. Carnival Cruise Lines reported the most passenger deaths at 29%. This was followed by Royal Caribbean Cruises at 12%, and Norwegian Cruise Line at 10%. As for crew, the highest number of deaths was also on Carnival Cruise Line, at 19%, tying with Royal Caribbean Cruises. MORE: Thousands of train passengers stranded in Spain days after massive blackouts MORE: Map shows VE Day 2025 parade route through central London MORE: The common cruise ship passenger mistake that drives crew mad Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. READ SOURCE
Metro
06-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
This is what happens when someone dies on a cruise ship
Going on holiday is something everyone looks forward to, and few places are better equipped for having a good time than cruise ships. But as with everything in life, they must also be prepared for the worst. On Saturday, a passenger died on a cruise ship in British waters. The victim, 60, was on the MSC Virtuosa when it left Southampton on Saturday evening for a two-night cruise to Bruges, Belgium. An army medic administered CPR, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, passenger Lynda Hardiman-Pearce said. A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Deaths like these are rare, but they're not unheard of. So what actually happens when someone dies at sea? Here's everything you need to know. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. When someone dies on a cruise ship, what happens next depends on many different factors, including where the vessel is and cruise liner policy. Cruise ships are required to have at least one medical professional on board, as well as an examination and intensive care room. The onboard doctor will pronounce a death after all medical efforts have been exhausted and the body has been examined. They will inform the people travelling with the passenger, or contact the passenger's next of kin if they were alone. Zoe Adjey, Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of East London, tells Metro that cruise ships have procedures for all passenger health situations, including end-of-life. 'Staff members receive training to handle these sensitive situations compassionately, including providing emotional support for family members,' she explains. 'They're there to help the family or friends with whatever they need.' The death is then recorded in the ship's log and the flag state, meaning the country the ship is registered in. Dr Asimah, a registered GP working with travel insurance provider Staysure says: 'From a medical and procedural perspective, accurate records and death certificates are essential for local authorities, enabling the next steps.' If the death occurred in international waters, is being treated as suspicious, or a crime has been committed, local authorities have jurisdiction. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), each country has jurisdiction within 12 nautical miles of its shores. You won't see it advertised, but most major liners are required to have a morgue. They are typically found on the lowest deck, and usually have space for three to six bodies. Additionally, some cruise ships will have a chapel or religious area where the last rites can be performed, according to the person's faith. The body will need to be stored until the ship docks at the next suitable port. Generally, cruise lines will ensure that a death onboard is handled as discreetly as possible. However, if you hear a crew member say the words 'Operation Bright Star,' it means there has been a medical emergency. If the phrase is 'Operation Rising Star,' it's code for a passenger death. Unfortunately, cruise lines do not cover the cost of a passenger's death. Therefore, it's vital to have travel insurance that covers all eventualities. Dr Asimah explains why a cruise travel insurance policy is important. The expert says: 'It can cover the complex and often costly process of repatriation, including coordination with local officials, consulates, and specialist airline providers to return the deceased to the UK with care and dignity.' According to the International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health, 623 reported deaths were reported at sea between 2000 and 2019. More Trending According to that research, 89% were passenger deaths, while 11% were crew deaths. The leading causes of passenger deaths were falls overboard or onto lower decks, cardiac incidents, and suicides. For crew deaths, these were suicide, murder and falls. Carnival Cruise Lines reported the most passenger deaths at 29%. This was followed by Royal Caribbean Cruises at 12%, and Norwegian Cruise Line at 10%. As for crew, the highest number of deaths was also on Carnival Cruise Line, at 19%, tying with Royal Caribbean Cruises. MORE: Thousands of train passengers stranded in Spain days after massive blackouts MORE: Map shows VE Day 2025 parade route through central London MORE: The common cruise ship passenger mistake that drives crew mad
Irish Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Man killed on luxury cruise ship was 'on stag do' when 'chaos' broke out
A cruise passenger killed onboard a luxury liner is said to have been on a stag do when "chaos" broke out. The MSC Virtuosa left the port in Southampton on Saturday (May 3) for two nights, and a few hours later, a fight broke out in which a 60-year-old man died. As the MSC Virtuosa ship was still in British waters when the death occurred, it returned to the UK and police arrested a 57-year-old man from Exeter when the ship arrived back at Southampton, Hampshire on suspicion of murder. The victim's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist police officers, reports The Mirror. Passenger Lynda Hardiman-Pearce told MailOnline there were several hen and stag do parties onboard "causing havoc". She added: "On Saturday night we were in a bar onboard and I was chatting to someone whilst waiting to be served. Apparently, the [man] was on a stag do. "The cruise was full of hen and stag parties causing chaos. Since getting home we talked to our family, and they all said it didn't sound like any cruise they had been on." Cruise ship MSC Virtuosa berthed at City Cruise Terminal, seen from Mayflower Park, Southampton, UK Reports suggested the men involved in the incident were part of a party of 20. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, the senior investigating officer, said: "We want to reassure you that this appears to be an isolated incident on board, and we want to thank the crew for their cooperation and assistance with our enquiries." A spokesperson for MSC Virtuosa added: "Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are co-operating fully with their investigations. We are providing full support to those impacted." According to the MSC's website, the "Virtuosa's namesake comes from the word virtuoso, meaning someone highly skilled in any field of activity, and so MSC Virtuosa was named to pay homage to the skill and expertise of the MSC Cruises architects and shipyard partners at Chantiers de l'Atlantique who designed and built this innovative class of ships. A passenger said the cruise was "full of hen and stag parties causing chaos" "MSC Virtuosa, along with her sister ships MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Euribia, belongs to the "Meraviglia Class", where the impressive array of onboard experiences come together in perfect harmony with the space and the destinations, to deliver the ultimate cruise holiday experience." The Maltese-flagged vessel, built in France in 2020, measures 332 metres (1,089ft) long and boasts 18 decks, accommodation for up to 6,334 passengers and 1,704 crew. Virtuosa was due to arrive in Southampton at 6.15am and depart at 8pm. The ship also boasts a 4D cinema, bowling lanes, a casino, a game arcade, and a Formula 1 simulator. Passengers can also visit a theatre hosting Broadway-style productions, as well as a lounge featuring Carousel Productions at Sea shows. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE 'Murder victim', 60, who died ‘after fight broke out' on a luxury cruise ship 'was on a stag do': Man, 57, being quizzed over killing
The man who died following an alleged altercation on a luxury cruise ship was said to have been celebrating a stag do with pals before a row broke out. The 'murder' victim, 60, was on the MSC Virtuosa when it left Southampton on Saturday evening for a two-night cruise to Bruges. A fight allegedly broke out just hours into the journey, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. An army medic is said to have tried to save the man by undertaking CPR, but his efforts were tragically in vain. Lynda Hardiman-Pearce, who runs a catering business, was onboard the liner when the horror unfolded. Ms Hardiman-Pearce said there were 'hen and stag parties causing chaos' on the boat. She went on to add that she met the father of an army medic who 'tried to help by doing CPR on a guy that had collapsed', with reports made at around 8.30pm that a man had died. The man's body is believed to have been kept aboard the ship until this morning when the ship docked back in the Horizon terminal in Hampshire. He was from Sussex. MSC Virtuosa is seen here berthed at the City Cruise Terminal in Southampton ahead of its first sailing on May 20 2021 A 57-year-old man from Exeter, who is thought to have been friends with the deceased, has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Ms Hardiman-Pearce added that she was on the ship for a trip to Zeebrugge in Belgium, and returned to Southampton on Monday. She said: 'On Saturday night we were in a bar onboard and I was chatting to someone whilst waiting to be served. 'He told me his son was an army medic and had tried to help by doing CPR on a guy that had collapsed but unfortunately couldn't revive him. 'Apparently, the [man] was on a stag do.' She described seeing five police officers at Southampton Docks this morning when she disembarked. Ms Hardiman-Pearce added: 'The cruise was full of hen and stag parties causing chaos. 'Since getting home we talked to our family, and they all said it didn't sound like any cruise they had been on.' Another source onboard the ship told MailOnline: 'There was a big police presence when we docked in Southampton this morning. 'What apparently happened is the man was killed on board. 'Three family members, two women who might be his daughters, and the son managed to get on to the quayside to try and gain entry on the ship. The family are demanding they release the body.' According to a passenger onboard, the trip was a 'booze cruise' to Bruges. The men involved in the incident were said to be among a party of 20. According to the Maritime Injury Guide, most large cruise ships will have a morgue on board and which typically has space for between three to six bodies. Hampshire Police told MailOnline a homicide investigation was launched following the death of the man aboard the MSC Virtuosa in British waters. The ship left Southampton at 6pm on Saturday with the reports being made at around 8.30pm that a man, 60, had died following an altercation. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Det Chief Insp Matt Gillooly, the senior investigating officer, said: 'We want to reassure you that this appears to be an isolated incident onboard, and we want to thank the crew for their cooperation and assistance with our enquiries. 'If anyone who was onboard has information that could assist, please contact Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary on 101 with reference 44250193676.' A spokesperson for MSC Virtuosa said: 'Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are co-operating fully with their investigations. We are providing full support to those impacted.'
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Daily Record
Man killed on luxury cruise ship was 'on stag do' when 'chaos' broke out
A man, 60, died aboard the MSC Virtuosa which had left Southampton on a two-night cruise when an argument broke out hours after it set sail. A cruise passenger killed onboard a luxury liner is said to have been on a stag do when "chaos" ensued. A 60-year-old man died on board the MSC Virtuosa a few hours after it left the port in Southampton on Saturday for two nights as a fight broke out. It returned to the UK, as the MSC Virtuosa ship was still in British waters when the death occurred, and police arrested a 57-year-old man from Exeter upon the ship arriving back at Southampton on suspicion of murder, reports the Mirror. The victim's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist police officers. Passenger Lynda Hardiman-Pearce told MailOnline there were several hen and stag do parties onboard 'causing havoc '. She added: 'On Saturday night we were in a bar onboard and I was chatting to someone whilst waiting to be served. Apparently, the [man] was on a stag do. 'The cruise was full of hen and stag parties causing chaos. Since getting home we talked to our family, and they all said it didn't sound like any cruise they had been on.' Reports suggested the men involved in the incident were part of a party of 20. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, the senior investigating officer, said: 'We want to reassure you that this appears to be an isolated incident on-board, and we want to thank the crew for their cooperation and assistance with our enquiries." A spokesperson for MSC Virtuosa added: "Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are co-operating fully with their investigations. We are providing full support to those impacted." According to the MSC's website, the "Virtuosa's namesake comes from the word virtuoso, meaning someone highly skilled in any field of activity, and so MSC Virtuosa was named to pay homage to the skill and expertise of the MSC Cruises architects and shipyard partners at Chantiers de l'Atlantique who designed and built this innovative class of ships. "MSC Virtuosa, along with her sister ships MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Euribia, belongs to the 'Meraviglia Class', where the impressive array of onboard experiences come together in perfect harmony with the space and the destinations, to deliver the ultimate cruise holiday experience." The Maltese-flagged vessel, built in France in 2020, measures 332m (1,089ft) long and boasts 18 decks, accommodation for up to 6,334 passengers and 1,704 crew. Virtuosa was due to arrive in Southampton at 6:15am and depart at 8pm. The ship also boasts a 4D cinema, bowling lanes, a casino, a game arcade, and a Formula 1 simulator. Passengers can also visit a theatre hosting Broadway-style productions, as well as a lounge featuring Carousel Productions at Sea shows. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
