What Crew Members Say About Bridge

On June 6, 2023, Italian police took decisive action by seizing three ferries belonging to Caronte & Tourist due to serious allegations of corruption. The vessels involved are the 'Ulisse' (IMO: 7817828), currently docked in Messina, the 'Bridge', located in Milazzo, and the 'Helga' (IMO: 7320693), moored in Palermo. Authorities have confiscated the ferries and frozen nearly 30 million Euros from the company’s bank accounts as part of the ongoing investigation. The management of Caronte & Tourist is under scrutiny as the legal proceedings unfold, ensuring that the vessels will remain at their respective ports during this complex inquiry.

On July 11, 2017, at approximately 4 p.m., a fire ignited in the engine room of the ferry "Bridge" while it was navigating the route between Filicudi and Salina. The vessel had just departed from Lipari en route to Milazzo when the incident occurred, roughly four miles off the coast of Filicudi. In response to the emergency, the Coast Guard mobilized an AB 412 helicopter alongside two patrol boats, "Cf 818" and "Cp 2203," which facilitated the transfer of a firefighting team from Lipari to the scene. The ferry was carrying a total of 10 crew members, three vehicles, and five passengers. Given the potential presence of hazardous materials on board, the situation required immediate attention. The rescue efforts were further bolstered by the swift diversion of the ferry "Ulysses" from its Milazzo-Aeolie route, along with the participation of the "Isola di Stromboli," also part of the C&T Isole Minori fleet. Passengers were successfully evacuated and transported to safety aboard the "Raff14," operated by the port captain of Milazzo. Fire suppression was effectively managed using the onboard CO2 fire extinguishing system, while the "Ulisse" took charge of towing the compromised ferry back to Messina. Cooling operations continued from outside the vessel as it was being towed. Upon arrival in port, the engine room of the "Bridge" underwent a thorough inspection by NBCR specialists, employing thermal imaging cameras to ensure there were no lingering hotspots. Meanwhile, the "Isola di Stromboli" departed Lipari at 7 p.m. to facilitate the transfer of vehicles and remaining passengers. Ultimately, the "Bridge" was scheduled to be towed to Milazzo for further assessment and repairs. For detailed images and ongoing updates, you can view Italian reports at the following links: [Vigili del Fuoco](http://www.vigilfuoco.it/aspx/notizia.aspx?codnews=42483), [Oggi Milazzo](http://www.oggimilazzo.it/2017/07/11/principio-di-incendio-sulla-nave-ngi-nel-tratto-filucidi-salina/), and [Giornale di Lipari](http://www.giornaledilipari.it/principio-dincendio-sul-bridge-nave-ferma-tra-filicudi-e-salina-passeggeri-evacuati/).