Latest news with #MayflowerCruiseFerry
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Yahoo
Cruise Ship 'Evacuated' After Man Claims to Have an 'Explosive Device' on Board
NEED TO KNOW A cruise ship was forced to evacuate after a man claimed he had an explosive device on board The incident took place while the vessel was in Southampton, England, on Aug. 9 The 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offense and communicating false informationA cruise ship was forced to evacuate due to a bomb threat. At around 11:46 a.m. local time on Saturday, Aug. 9, police were called to the Mayflower Cruise Ferry terminal in Southampton, England, after receiving reports of 'a man claiming to be in possession of an explosive device,' Hampshire Police said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. Officers searched a large truck near the location, and ITV News reported that police formed a large barricade as they investigated the P&O Cruises ship Ventura. Hampshire Police later confirmed that no explosive device was located during the search. 'We are satisfied that there was no risk to the public,' they said. Authorities said a 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offense and communicating false information. He was later released on bail, and he has a court hearing set for Nov. 8. A P&O Cruises spokesperson said in a statement, per ITV News, "Due to an earlier police incident and in an abundance of caution, we made the decision to evacuate Ventura and the passenger terminal." "The safety of our guests, crew and port staff is our highest priority and we are grateful for the co-operation of the authorities, as well as everyone's patience whilst the precautionary measures were in place," the representative continued. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In footage obtained byThe Mirror, armed police could be seen surrounding the cruise ship terminal as a man was handcuffed. One passenger who witnessed the arrest told the outlet that he saw the man "being dragged out of his car by six armed policemen" with "tasers and guns." The eyewitness added that he saw staff "turning people away" from the cruise ship, while "a couple of thousand" were waiting to board the vessel. The Southampton site where the search took place is run by Associated British Ports, according to ITV News. A spokesperson for the company told the outlet, "We are aware of a security incident that occurred at the Port this morning, Saturday, Aug. 9. Police attended the scene and have since stood down. We will support any ongoing inquiries by the relevant authorities.' P&O Cruises and Associated British Ports did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, Aug. 10. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Yahoo
Everything we know after armed police descend on port after bomb threat
Armed police swooped onto Southampton port in response to a bomb threat that saw a cruise ship and terminal evacuated. A man was arrested after claiming he had an explosive device at the Mayflower Cruise Ferry terminal. Police were called to the scene at 11.46am on Saturday, August 9. A 200m cordon was put in place, with the terminal and the nearby P&O Ventura being evacuated. Specialist officers searched a lorry at the location, but no explosive device was found, with Hampshire Constabulary declaring: "We are satisfied that there is no risk to the public, and the cordon will now be lifted." The scene on Saturday (Image: Supplied)READ MORE: Cruise passenger tells of 'crazy' moment armed police swarmed into port One passenger had been eating lunch when he saw armed police swarm the car park, setting up an exclusion zone. The 28-year-old said: "The captain made an announcement that we were in the bomb zone and we had to get out. "They stopped letting guests on board and closed off the port. Crazy stuff. "We didn't get off. The police stood everyone down because they cleared it, and it resumed normal operations. "I am ok, but a lot of the guests are really frustrated, saying it's ruined the start of our holiday." Police putting a man in handcuffs into a van (Image: Supplied)READ MORE: Cruise terminal and ship evacuated as armed police swarm to bomb threat Images shared with the Echo show armed police, including one with a Taser, next to a lorry, whose occupant exits the vehicle with his arms behind his head and is quickly handcuffed. A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: "Due to an earlier police incident and in an abundance of caution, we made the decision to evacuate Ventura and the passenger terminal. "The safety of our guests, crew, and port staff is our highest priority, and we are grateful for the cooperation of the authorities. "Thank you for everyone's patience whilst the precautionary measures were in place." During the incident, vehicles were stopped from entering Dock Gate 10, causing delays around the Waterfront area. A spokesperson for Associated British Ports, the operators of Southampton port, added: "We are aware of a security incident that occurred at the port. "Police attended the scene and have since stood down. "Normal operations at the port have resumed. "We will support any ongoing enquiries by the relevant authorities."
