Cruise Ship Evacuated After Man Claims To Possess Explosive Device

A cruise ship was evacuated when, around 11:46 a.m. local time on Saturday, Aug. 9, police reached the Mayflower Cruise Ferry terminal in Southampton, England, after they received reports of a man claiming to have an explosive device.

Police Officers searched the truck close to the location and formed barricades as they investigated the P& O Cruise Ship Ventura.

Hampshire Police later said that no such device was found during their search and expressed relief that there was no risk to the public.

Per authorities, a 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and communicating false information.

He was then released on bail, and a court hearing has been set for November 8, 2025.

A spokesperson from P&O Cruises said that due to an earlier police incident, and to exercise caution, they decided to evacuate the Ventura and the passenger terminal.

The representative said that the safety of the guests, crew and port staff is their highest priority, and they are grateful for the cooperation of the authorities and also thanked everyone for their patience while precautionary measures were in place.

In a video footage, armed police could be seen near the cruise ship terminal as the man was handcuffed.

A passenger who saw the man being arrested said that he was dragged out of his car by 6 armed policemen with guns and tasers.

Source: Maritime Shipping News