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Raffaele Rubatino

Raffaele Rubatino

RAFFAELE RUBATTINO
Photo: shippax.com

On August 10, the 180 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Raffaele Rubatino (IMO: 9144744) caught fire in the Gulf of Naples some 15 miles off Naples, Italy. The Raffaele Rubatino was on a schedule voyage between Palermo to Naples with 155 passengers and undisclosed number of vehicles when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The crew was able to quickly extinguish the blaze, but the fire had damaged the machinery in the engine room.  Unable to navigate the Raffaele Rubatino requested assistance.  Authorities dispatched two tugs to tow the ferry into port while 2 Italian Coast Guard vessels and another ferry were standing by. Authorities had both medical and fire fighting personnel were waiting on the dock when the Raffaele Rubatino finally reached port.

Reports state there were no reports of injuries.

 

Fugro Mercator

Fugro Mercator

Fugro Mercator
Photo: Guardia Costiera

On March 22, the 42 meter long, 360 gt research vessel Fugro Mercator (IMO: 9299977) ran aground in the Tyrrhenian Sea near Portoferraio, Italy. The Fugro Mercator was seeking shelter from bad weather and ventured to close to the island of Elba. The vessel struck a reef just offshore from the rocky cliff shoreline. The vessel sustained hull damage and water ingress. Attempts to contain the flooding by the crew resulted in damaging the vessel’s engine and a total power blackout onboard.

Fugro Mercator
Photo: Guardia Costiera

Authorities deployed a patrol boat from Portoferraio which was able to rescue all the personnel and crew from the Fugro Mercator.  There were no reports of injuries.

The Italian Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the cause of the grounding may be due to issues with the propulsion system or by the strong winds at the time of the incident. The owners have contracted a company to inspect the vessel and provide a salvage plan. The Coast Guard continues to monitor the incident for any signs of pollution released from the vessel.

 

Guang Rong

Guang Rong

Guang Rong
Photo: Italian Coast Guard

On the evening of January 28, the 104 meter long, 10000 dwt cargo vessel Guang Rong (IMO: 9236133) allided with the Pontile di Marina di Massa at Marina di Massa, Italy. The Guang Rong had been at anchor offshore with 9,000 tons of gravel when bad weather caused it’s anchor to drag. The cargo vessel continued to drift until it struck the pier.

Reports state the pier partially collapsed and the Guang Rong sustained hull damage. The cargo vessel had its hull holed and developed a starboard list. All 13 crew abandoned ship and rescued by the Italian Coast Guard. No reports of injuries.

Reports state there is a large sheen of fuel pollution around the cargo vessel.  Authorities have contracted a salvage firm to contain and clean up any pollution released. Authorities state the cargo vessel will be refloated as soon as conditions allow.

The incident is under investigation. Italian authorities have stated the Guang Rong had been detained multiple times for multiple infractions and deficiencies between 2022 and 2024.