SHIPPING authorities faced calls for “urgent action” today after a “near tragedy” in a lifeboat drill.

According to a passenger, a lifeboat “fell into the sea” from the MV Arcadia last Saturday during a practice rescue session.

Five crew members were in the boat when it fell, the passenger said and one had to be taken to hospital.

The ship, which is operated by P&O Cruises but registered in Bermuda, was docked at Ponta Delgada in Portugal. It subsequently returned to Southampton.

Transport union RMT has written to the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the safety regulator for Bermuda-flagged vessels, demanding a “tighter regulatory regime and improved maintenance of all lifeboats.”

The union said the incident was just the “latest in a catalogue of serious incidents involving lifeboats.” It cited several fatal accidents in the past few years.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said the incident “should serve as a wake-up call to the entire cruise industry.”

National secretary Steve Todd added: “RMT has raised the issue of lifeboat safety in the past and, after the latest incident, we will not be fobbed off with any more delays and excuses.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it could not respond in time for the Star’s deadline.

A P&O Cruises spokeswoman said an investigation has been launched following “an incident” during lifeboat drills on January 5.