A fast ferry belonging to Tirrenia  crashed against rocks in the Tremiti Islands. The accident happened during manoeuvres in the port of Isola San Nicola, where the ferry “Isola di Capraia” crashed against the rock barrier surrounding the island port.

The ferry had departed from Termoli and had just concluded the crossing to the Puglia archipelago.  The cause of the accident, according to early investigation, may have been caused by the mechanical failure of the throttle on the bridge, which did not allow the ship to complete the manoeuvre set by the captain correctly.

On board the Tirrenia vessel were seven passengers, but none of them, nor the crew, were injured. In the video, which went viral online, you can see the ferry refloating from the barrier on its own. The boat was then immediately docked in the port for inspection by the port authority.

The “Isola di Capraia is a Class TMV 70 Aquastrada fast ferry, reaching maximum speeds of 27 knots. It is 71 metres long and 12 metres wide, with a tonnage of 1,925 tons. At full capacity it can carry 522 passengers and 57 vehicles. It connects the Tremiti islands to the mainland all year round.

Like the rest of the country, tourism operators on the Tremiti islands have reopened, and the hope of the professionals is that by the end of next weekend, the damage to the ferry will be repaired and the “Isola di Capraia” can return to service connecting the Molise coast to the archipelago.

Finding a substitute vessel would be very complicated, due to the size of the port on the island of San Nicola. The risk is that next weekend, tourists might not be able to use a maritime connection to enjoy a couple days or even a few hours of holiday on the island.

Video: Facebook / Mauro Pili

Giuseppe Orrù