Maritime Analysis
Carthage: A Vessel with a Track Record of Challenges and Rescues
By VesselRate AI Editor
Jun 23, 2026
Carthage, a ferry operated by the Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation (CTN), has been in the spotlight on multiple occasions, showcasing both the challenges faced at sea and the remarkable efforts of maritime rescue teams. Recently, the vessel was involved in two medical emergencies that highlighted the importance of timely interventions in maritime settings.
On the night of September 10, 2024, while navigating the route from Tunisia to Genoa, the 65-year-old passenger aboard the Carthage suffered a critical heart attack approximately 40 miles south of Cape Carbonara. The ship’s alert captain promptly called for assistance, leading to the deployment of the Nemo Aw139 helicopter from the Decimomannu Coast Guard. Despite daunting conditions including a strong Mistral wind reaching about 45 knots and rough seas, the Coast Guard team successfully hoisted the man into the helicopter and transported him to Brotzu Hospital in Cagliari for emergency care.
This incident was not an isolated one for the Carthage. Earlier, on March 23, 2022, another passenger on the ferry required medevac due to a broken leg while the vessel was less than 200 km from Marseille. Following medical consultation and advice from the maritime medical team, a French Navy helicopter was dispatched to airlift the injured man to Saint-Anne Army Training Hospital in Toulon. These rescues demonstrate the vessel's operational context, where medical emergencies can arise unexpectedly during voyages across the Mediterranean Sea.
However, the Carthage has also faced its share of operational challenges, notably the cancellation of a key crossing from La Goulette to Genoa on June 25, 2017. This disruption was precipitated by a sudden departure of the ship’s officers following a dispute with the captain, prompting an emergency meeting involving the company's management and social partners to address the situation.
As the Carthage continues to serve the busy route between Tunisia and Italy, the blend of medical emergencies and operational disputes serves as a reminder of the complexities in maritime operations. The resilience of the crew and the swift action of coast guard teams underline the critical nature of safety and response at sea.
On the night of September 10, 2024, while navigating the route from Tunisia to Genoa, the 65-year-old passenger aboard the Carthage suffered a critical heart attack approximately 40 miles south of Cape Carbonara. The ship’s alert captain promptly called for assistance, leading to the deployment of the Nemo Aw139 helicopter from the Decimomannu Coast Guard. Despite daunting conditions including a strong Mistral wind reaching about 45 knots and rough seas, the Coast Guard team successfully hoisted the man into the helicopter and transported him to Brotzu Hospital in Cagliari for emergency care.
This incident was not an isolated one for the Carthage. Earlier, on March 23, 2022, another passenger on the ferry required medevac due to a broken leg while the vessel was less than 200 km from Marseille. Following medical consultation and advice from the maritime medical team, a French Navy helicopter was dispatched to airlift the injured man to Saint-Anne Army Training Hospital in Toulon. These rescues demonstrate the vessel's operational context, where medical emergencies can arise unexpectedly during voyages across the Mediterranean Sea.
However, the Carthage has also faced its share of operational challenges, notably the cancellation of a key crossing from La Goulette to Genoa on June 25, 2017. This disruption was precipitated by a sudden departure of the ship’s officers following a dispute with the captain, prompting an emergency meeting involving the company's management and social partners to address the situation.
As the Carthage continues to serve the busy route between Tunisia and Italy, the blend of medical emergencies and operational disputes serves as a reminder of the complexities in maritime operations. The resilience of the crew and the swift action of coast guard teams underline the critical nature of safety and response at sea.
Based on these news reports:
- Emergency Medical Evacuation at Sea Near Cape Carbonara (2024-09-11)
- Emergency Airlift for Injured Passenger off Marseille (2022-03-23)
- Cancellation of Carthage's La Goulette-Genoa Sailing Due to Crew Dispute (2017-06-26)