Ferry GNV Azzurra towed back following engine fire

A fire in the engine room left the passenger ferry GNV Azzurra unable to continue its voyage in the Mediterranean Sea, leading to a large emergency response from French authorities, The Maritime Telegraph reports. None of the 876 people on board were injured.

The Italian-flagged Ro-Ro passenger ferry was travelling from Porto Torres in Sardinia to Genoa, Italy, when the incident happened on the evening of June 19. The fire started at around 21:00 local time while the vessel was about 18 nautical miles off Cape Senetosa, Corsica.

After detecting the fire, the crew informed maritime authorities and began firefighting efforts. Reports indicated that dense smoke was coming from the engine room, but the crew managed to put out the fire after about two hours.

Although the blaze was extinguished, it damaged two engines and left the ferry unable to continue the voyage on its own.

French authorities sent several units to assist the vessel, including rescue boats, a tug, an emergency towing vessel, and a helicopter carrying firefighters and a mechanic for onboard inspections.

On June 20, the ferry was taken under tow and safely returned to Porto Torres. All 763 passengers, 113 crew members, and the vehicles on board left the vessel without incident.

Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the engine room fire.

 

Picture: L’unione Sarda