Working Conditions Aboard the Af-Francesca

On March 3, 2026, a cargo vessel successfully arrived at Aliaga Anchorage, marking another milestone in its maritime journey. This strategic port, located on the Aegean coast of Turkey, plays a critical role in overseeing shipping operations and facilitating logistical needs for various vessels. Aliaga Anchorage remains a pivotal location for maritime activities in the region.

On February 28, 2026, the ferry 'AF Francesca' departed from Durres on a poignant final journey. This vessel is en route to the Aliaga shipbreaking facility, where it is scheduled to reach its final stop by March 3. The 'AF Francesca' has served the maritime community well, and now it embarks on its last voyage, marking the end of an era in ferry transportation.

On August 30, 2025, the 'AF Francesca', operating on the Durrës-Bari route, became unmoored from its berth at the Durrës quay amidst a fierce storm. Prompt action from maritime authorities, including the Port Authority and Durrës Port Authority, as well as the dedicated ASHD Tugboat, ensured the vessel was safely secured and allowed to resume its voyage to Bari. For more details, including photos and videos of the incident, visit the following links: https://www.vizionplus.tv/moti-i-keq-shkeputen-litaret-e-anijes-durres-bari/ and https://www.gazetaexpress.com/de/era-i-keput-litaret-anijes-ne-portin-e-durresit/

On December 23, 2024, at noon, a maritime accident occurred in the busy port of Durrës as the ferry 'AF Francesca,' traveling from Bari, collided with the moored vessel 'Rigel III.' The incident resulted in approximately 1,500 passengers being stranded for several hours due to perilous weather conditions affecting the Bay of Durrës, which complicated ferry mooring processes, particularly during the docking at the quay. Tugs were deployed to regain control over 'AF Francesca' following the allision. Thankfully, while there was limited damage reported, the weather conditions necessitated that 'AF Francesca' continue its voyage without passengers. Additionally, the ferry 'AF Marina,' which was also slated to leave for Bari, had its departure postponed until the situation improved. Unfortunately, a fishing boat sank within the fishing port basin amidst the harsh weather, although there were no reported injuries from the incidents. For further details and video footage, check the following links: https://opinion.al/video-moti-i-keq-perplasen-2-tragete-ne-portin-e-durresit/ https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/videolajm-dy-tragete-perplasen-ne-kalaten-e-portit-te-durresit-shkak-moti-i-keq-ska-te-plagosur https://joq-albania.com/artikull/1245335.html

The ferry 'Af Francesca', which was involved in a fire incident on May 13, has made a notable return to sea after departing the port of Bari on May 30 at 11 a.m. Following its journey, the vessel arrived safely at the Shipyard Victor Lenac located in Kostrena port on June 1 at 4:45 p.m. The timely arrival allows for essential repairs to address the damage incurred during the unfortunate event.

On May 13, 2015, at 1 a.m., a fire erupted in the engine room of the ferry 'Af Francesca,' which was carrying 203 passengers, including 50 Italians, along with a crew of 53, of which 20 were Italian. The incident occurred while the vessel was navigating approximately seven miles off the coast of Apulia, en route from Durrës, Albania, to Bari, Italy. The crew's prompt action extinguished the fire by 2:30 a.m., and fortunately, no injuries were reported among those on board. Following the fire alarm, emergency protocols were immediately enacted, with passengers quickly assembled at prepared lifeboats. To ensure full safety, three patrol boats from the Guardia di Finanza, the fire brigade, and the Coast Guard were dispatched to the scene. Additionally, tugs from Bari and Barletta were summoned to assist. Once controlled, a tugboat successfully towed the 'Af Francesca' to Bari, where it docked around 7 a.m. Passengers disembarked and were shuttled to the ferry terminal for identification by border police. Fire engines, the port captain, and law enforcement were present at the quay near the Cruise Terminal to provide support. After unloading cars and trucks, the ferry was set to be relocated to a berth at the breakwater to allow for another ferry's arrival. The Albanian passengers from 'Af Francesca' were to be transported back to Durrës on a different ferry later on the same day. For updates, photos, and videos related to the incident, refer to the following sources: [Corriere del Mezzogiorno](http://corrieredelmezzogiorno.corriere.it/foto-gallery/puglia/15_maggio_13/motonave-rientrata-bari-l-incendio-0f644f86-f936-11e4-bebe-2b86c4bd21d7.shtml), [ANSA](http://www.ansa.it/puglia/notizie/2015/05/13/incendio-su-traghetto-al-largo-di-bari_75ef8929-f964-46f6-b746-eaf59583cd53.html), [ADN Kronos](http://www.adnkronos.com/fatti/cronaca/2015/05/13/incendio-sul-traghetto-rotta-per-albania-nessun-ferito_Rokq1AgSQbBmKKp4wLdtGI.html), [TGCOM24](http://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/cronaca/puglia/incendio-in-mare-brucia-un-traghetto-bari-nave-rientrata-nessun-ferito_2110922-201502a.shtml), and [La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno](http://www.lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it/homepage/incendio-su-traghetto-bari-durazzo-nave-rientrata-al-porto-nesun-ferito-tra-no816937).