MAIB report identifies safety failures in fatal Arvia elevator accident
Investigators found that elevator movement was not properly controlled before an electrical technician entered the shaft.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch released a report on October 8, 2026, identifying multiple safety failures linked to the death of electrical technician Lixter Dave Visaya Mahinay aboard Arvia.
Mahinay was inspecting a passenger elevator on October 26 after overnight repairs while the ship was at sea. According to the report, he entered the elevator shaft using a fixed ladder, but a previously stored call signal caused the car to move while he remained inside. He was fatally crushed between the elevator car and the side of the shaft.
Arvia subsequently diverted to A Coruña, Spain, where Mahinay’s body was taken ashore.
MAIB said the repair team had departed from the maintenance plan set out in the work permit and had not agreed on a working method before starting the inspection. Investigators also found that proper control of the elevator’s movement had not been established before Mahinay entered the shaft. The report identified inconsistent training and competence assurance among the contributing safety issues.
Because Arvia is registered in Bermuda, the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority had jurisdiction over the investigation. The authority permitted MAIB to carry out the investigation on its behalf.