Port Authorities in Civitavecchia, Italy, received distress call from the cruise ship Sovereign operated by Pullmantur Cruises. The emergency involved a Filipino crew member who suffered serious poisoning because of the accidental ingestion of chemical (muriatic acid) usually used for cleaning and disinfection of swimming pools. The incident happened last night at around 10p.m. just hours after Sovereign left the port of Civitavecchia.

The Italian Coast Guard has immediately initiated the procedures for medical assistance at sea in emergency situations, and performed medical evacuation. The operation center in Civitavecchia Harbour ordered the release of patrol boat CP 2104, which quickly reached the cruise ship and transferred the crew member with the assistance by the ship's doctor and another crewman. The patrol boat returned in Civitavecchia at around midnight, and the injured crew member was transferred with ambulance to the "St. Paul "hospital, where he was hospitalized for the necessary medical care.

Ingestion of muriatic acid can cause serious problems with devastating consequences on the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.