Security or legal Americas Port of Baltimore, Maryland · 7 September 2025
Four Filipino Crew Members Deported from Carnival Pride at Baltimore – 7 September 2025
What happened
On 7 September 2025, four Filipino crew members working aboard the Carnival Pride were detained and deported after the ship docked at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland. U.S. authorities entered crew cabins in the early morning hours, removed the seafarers under guard, and transported them to Baltimore-Washington International Airport for deportation to the Philippines via Doha, Qatar.
The crew members were interrogated for several hours and accused of involvement in child pornography, which they uniformly denied. No formal charges, evidence, or legal representation were provided during the detention process. The case has raised significant due process and human dignity concerns among maritime advocacy groups.
Details of the detention and removal
U.S. authorities entered crew cabins in the early morning hours of 7 September. One seafarer, a galley steward, reported being ordered to pack his belongings before being handcuffed and searched. The four Filipino crew members were escorted off the ship under guard and transported to Baltimore-Washington International Airport, where they were fingerprinted, photographed, and held in detention cells overnight. One seafarer described being forced to walk barefoot, remove outer garments in cold conditions, and carry his bag while handcuffed behind his back until boarding. Their passports were returned only at the airport gate.
Passengers and crew
Crew affected
- 4 Filipino crew members detained and deported (including 1 galley steward).
Casualties
Fatalities
- None reported.
Injuries
- None reported.
Rescued
- Not applicable to this incident.
Emergency response and interrogation
The detained crew members were interrogated for several hours and accused of involvement in child pornography, which they uniformly denied. No formal charges, evidence, or legal representation were provided during the interrogation process. The following day, the four seafarers were flown to Manila via Doha, Qatar.
Current status and advocacy response
The affected crew members have since returned to the Philippines, though their legal status in relation to U.S. authorities remains unclear. Marino PH and other maritime advocacy groups have condemned the treatment, citing violations of due process and human dignity. The case highlights the vulnerability of Filipino seafarers in U.S. port detention scenarios and has renewed calls for stronger legal protections and procedural safeguards for maritime workers.