- Britannia broke free from moorings at Palma on 27 August 2023.
- The vessel collided with tanker Castillo De Arteaga in gale-force winds.
- A small number of passengers had minor injuries.
- A total of 321 passengers disembarked early because one lifeboat was damaged.
- The voyage skipped Gibraltar and returned to Southampton.
The P&O Cruises flagship Britannia has been involved in a mooring failure at Palma de Mallorca on 27 August 2023. Gale-force winds broke tethering lines and detached water hoses and a walkway. The 143,000-ton vessel drifted into the freight tanker Castillo De Arteaga.
A small number of passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the onboard medical centre. The ship suffered minor scrapes, damage to deck 5 and structural issues to one lifeboat. Tugboats stabilised the vessel and pushed it back to safety.
Maritime safety rules required a full set of operational lifeboats. A total of 321 passengers disembarked early and were flown home. The voyage continued toward Southampton and skipped Gibraltar. The vessel returned to Southampton for repairs.