MSC Poesia Crew Overboard Incident 2025: Fatal Fall Under Investigation

On 22 February 2025, a 32-year-old Filipino crew member, Jeric Bueno, fell overboard from MSC Poesia during the vessel's transit from Montevideo, Uruguay, to Brazil. Bueno was reported missing after failing to report for duty; surveillance footage confirmed he had fallen from Deck 7 near the life raft station. His remains were recovered on 27 February 2025 by Brazilian authorities, confirming a fatal outcome.

The incident prompted immediate search operations by the Uruguayan Navy and subsequent Brazilian authorities. The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) disclosed the incident on 6 March 2025 and has coordinated with MSC Cruises and Bueno's manning agency to provide support to his family and arrange repatriation of his remains. An investigation into the circumstances of the fall remains ongoing.

Jeric Bueno was reported missing on 22 February 2025 after failing to report for his shift aboard MSC Poesia. Ship officers reviewed surveillance footage, which revealed that Bueno had fallen overboard from Deck 7 near the life raft station. The Uruguayan Navy immediately initiated search and rescue operations, deploying aerial and maritime assets. As the vessel continued into Brazilian waters, responsibility for the search transitioned to Brazilian authorities. Tragically, Bueno's remains were recovered on 27 February 2025. CCTV recordings and other evidence have been transferred to relevant authorities to determine the exact circumstances; while foul play has not been ruled out, the investigation remains ongoing.

Crew

• Jeric Bueno, 32-year-old Filipino waiter, assigned to the vessel.

Fatalities

• 1 fatality: Jeric Bueno, 32-year-old Filipino crew member (waiter), confirmed deceased on 27 February 2025.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• None; remains recovered on 27 February 2025.

The Uruguayan Navy initiated immediate search and rescue operations upon notification, deploying aerial and maritime assets. As MSC Poesia transitioned into Brazilian waters, responsibility for the search was transferred to Brazilian authorities, who ultimately recovered Bueno's remains on 27 February 2025. The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), led by Secretary Hans Cacdac, coordinated with MSC Cruises and Bueno's manning agency to provide financial assistance, psychological counseling, and logistical support for the repatriation of his remains to the Philippines.

"MSC Cruises has cooperated fully with authorities and expressed condolences to Bueno's family. The company has reiterated its commitment to safety and transparency while awaiting the outcome of the investigation." — MSC Cruises statement

Relevant authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of Bueno's fall. CCTV recordings and other evidence have been transferred to investigating authorities. While foul play has not been ruled out, the investigation remains ongoing. The incident has prompted calls from advocacy groups and the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers for enhanced safety measures, improved onboard surveillance systems, and better mental health support for crew members aboard large cruise ships operating in international waters.

• Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW): Providing financial assistance, psychological support, and repatriation assistance to the family of Jeric Bueno.
• MSC Cruises Customer Care: Available for inquiries regarding the incident and crew welfare protocols.