The 119 meter long, 1198 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Mobi Niki struck an obstruction near Isola Palmaiola, Italy. The Mobi Niki was en route to Portoferraio from Piombino with 138 passengers when it struck an unknown object in the water. The ferry sustained hull damage, but was able to continue on its voyage to Portoferraio. The ferry arrived in the port and was able to disembark all passengers and vehicles on board. No reports of injuires. Authorities placed booms around the hull while the Mobi Niki undergoes inspection. Authorities have also launched an investigation into the incident.
The 180 meter long, 7550 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of Kent ran aground at the port of Calais, France. The vessel was loaded with 208 passengers, 111 vehicles and 108 crew when it departed from the port of Calais bound for Dover. Conditions were poor with strong winds having gusts reach over 100 km/hour. When the ferry maneuvered out of the port, it allided with against a foot bridge due to the strong winds. Undamaged, the Pride of Kent continued on its voyage. A few minutes later strong wind gusts again slammed the ferry. Before the vessel could even leave the breakwater, the strong winds pushed the Pride of Kent off course and up onto a sandbank along the breakwater.
Authorities were alerted and three tugs were dispatched to the scene. The tugs tried multiple times to refloat the Pride of Kent, but the ferry refused to budge. Eventually after an hour of attempts, the Pride of Kent was pulled freed by the tugs and returned back to its berth. No reports of injuries. Passengers disembarked and the port was closed until weather conditions improved. No reports of pollution released.
The 72 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Driade caught fire near Ischia, Italy. The Driade had departed from Naples bound for Casamicciola when a fire broke out in the engine room disabling the vessel. The fire spewed out dense plumes of smoke making it difficult to contain. The Driade contacted authorities who dispatched rescue vessels to the scene. The Coast Guard arrived a short time later and transferred 12 passsengers off the Driade. Two passengers suffered injuries and later taken to hospital for treatment. The Driade crew were able to contain the blaze and a tug took the ferry under tow back to Naples.
