The Cruise-Europa: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On August 6, 2020, a somber incident unfolded aboard the 'Cruise Europa' as it arrived in Ancona from Patras. Authorities discovered the lifeless body of a 24-year-old Afghan migrant in the car deck of the ferry. Notably, the young man carried a document in his pocket seeking political asylum in Greece, though Greek officials had yet to process his application. It is suspected that he may have succumbed to asphyxiation while trapped in the vehicle hold, where sweltering summer temperatures can soar to 50 degrees Celsius. The ferry reached Ancona shortly before 5 p.m., and the circumstances surrounding the migrant's death have triggered an ongoing investigation. Initial assessments suggest he may have stowed away in a truck for the journey. The maritime border police, under the leadership of Commander Stefano Santiloni, are diligently interviewing truck drivers who were parked near the area where the body was found. However, all drivers reported not noticing the young man prior to the discovery. Prosecutor Ruggiero Dicuonzo is currently contemplating whether to request an autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death. Investigators have ruled out foul play, as there were no signs of injury or violence on the body. Instead, the evidence supports the belief that asphyxiation was responsible for this tragic incident. Further inquiries continue as authorities aim to gather more insights into this heartbreaking case.

On the night of April 4, 2020, the 'Cruise Europa' encountered an unfortunate incident when it allided with the breakwater at Patras during its berthing procedures. The vessel, arriving from Ancona, was navigating adverse weather conditions at the time. This ferry regularly operates on the Ancona - Igoumenitsa - Patras route and was carrying 73 crew members along with 56 truckers and a total of 55 vehicles. The collision resulted in two notable cracks, each measuring approximately 20 centimeters in length, impacting the portside hull above the waterline and causing additional internal damage. Importantly, this voyage was solely for cargo transportation, as passenger transit from Italy had been suspended due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Following the allision, the Central Port Authority of Patras mandated the suspension of the ferry's sailing capabilities until it could provide a seaworthiness certification from the relevant classification society. In the interim, the 36 truck drivers awaiting boarding in Patras are being accommodated through company arrangements. As of April 6, the 'Cruise Europa' remained docked at the quay in Patras. After unloading cargo and undergoing an initial damage assessment by the classification society, the vessel continued its journey to Yalova for permanent repairs. It arrived and anchored at a shipyard on April 15. However, the ship is currently staying at anchorage due to quarantine measures. The vessel awaits confirmation from health authorities before proceeding into the shipyard for necessary repairs.

On the morning of October 11, 2019, an urgent situation unfolded as the captain of the 'Cruise Europa' alerted the Corfu Port Authority regarding a medical emergency involving a 78-year-old passenger. The cruise ship was on its route from Igoumenitsa to Ancona when it promptly navigated back to Corfu to facilitate the necessary evacuation. Once docked, the ailing passenger was safely disembarked and swiftly transported via ambulance to Corfu General Hospital for immediate care and hospitalization. This incident underscores the maritime industry's commitment to passenger safety and the efficient response protocols in place for medical emergencies at sea.