A P&O cruise ship was evacuated in Southampton after a man claimed to be in possession of an explosive device. Police were called to the Mayflower Cruise Ferry terminal at around 11.46am on Saturday, 9 August, following reports of the threat.
A 200-metre cordon was set up around the Ventura cruise ship while specialist officers searched a lorry at the scene. A 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and communicating false information (bomb hoax). He has been bailed until 8 November.
After searches concluded, Hampshire Police confirmed that no device was found and that there was no risk to the public. Passenger Andy Palmer, who was already onboard, described seeing the man being arrested by armed police. He said passengers were directed to muster points and that staff turned people away from the vessel.
Despite the incident, the Ventura departed Southampton as scheduled on Saturday. The ship, which can carry over 3,000 passengers, is on a 14-day round trip to Portugal, the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, with its first stop in Funchal, Madeira on Wednesday.
A P&O Cruises spokesperson said the evacuation was a precautionary measure and that normal embarkation resumed after the incident was resolved. Associated British Ports confirmed that normal operations at the port had resumed and that they would support any ongoing enquiries.
