Driade Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On August 3, 2024, the ferry 'Driade' encountered a significant issue when its hydraulic system failed while attempting to open the stern hatch. This malfunction prompted the crew to make a swift decision to evacuate passengers through a side opening after successfully positioning the vessel parallel to the dock. The incident unfolded as the crew worked to unlock the rear hatch, which, upon opening, caused one of the securing chains, along with pistons and a hinge connected to the hull, to break. Consequently, a nearby catamaran was impacted during the incident, although fortunately, both crew members on board sustained no injuries. In response to the situation, the Ischia Port Authority swiftly initiated an investigation and organized necessary interventions to ensure the safety of the area, with inspectors present on-site. Skilled divers and a crane were deployed to address the situation, successfully re-installing the hatch and enabling the disembarkation of cars and trucks. Moving forward, the 'Driade' is set to undergo repairs in Naples.

On January 6, 2020, at 7:25 a.m., the ferry 'Driade' encountered a challenging situation in the port of Ischia when strong winds swept through the Gulf of Naples, causing the vessel to drift after casting off its moorings for a scheduled journey to Procida and Pozzuoli. The crew grappled with the vessel's perilous movement towards the Redentore Pier, fortunately avoiding a more serious collision due to the captain's adept handling of the situation. The ferry was carrying 20 passengers and six vehicles at the time. After about an hour of uncertainty, the prompt response from the Harbor Master's Office and mooring crews allowed for the vessel to be secured using heavy cables and anchored safely at the docks. Passengers were disembarked, with many opting to transfer to other services to continue their journey to the mainland. Subsequent inspections by the Coast Guard confirmed that all systems aboard 'Driade' were functioning correctly and showed no signs of failure. At 11:30 a.m., the ferry resumed its journey to Pozzuoli. The necessary emergency maneuvers resulted in delays for other vessels and hydrofoils waiting at the port entrance until 8:20 a.m., when the 'Driade' had been successfully secured. Following this incident, maritime traffic was restored to normal operations. For detailed visual coverage, please refer to the Italian reports, complete with photos and videos: [Napoli Repubblica](https://napoli.repubblica.it/cronaca/2020/01/06/foto/ischia_traghetto_spinto_dal_vento_verso_la_banchina_paura_a_bordo-245094882/1/#1) and [Teleischia](http://www.teleischia.com/202503/ischia-nave-driade-alla-deriva-nel-porto-video-live/).

On December 5, 2017, at approximately 5 p.m., a significant fire erupted in the engine room of the ferry "Driade," as it navigated the waters between Ischia and Procida, leaving the vessel incapacitated and adrift, billowing thick smoke. The ferry had departed from the port of Calata di Massa di Napoli at 3:45 p.m., en route to Casamicciola. Fortunately, the Coast Guard swiftly intervened and evacuated the 12 passengers on board, who were outfitted with proper safety gear. They were lowered to safety via ropes and transported to Ischia on the rescue vessel "CP 807." Following their arrival in Naples at 5:30 p.m., two passengers required medical attention and were treated at the Anna Rizzoli Lacco Ameno Hospital. Remarkably, the "Driade" resumed its services on June 4, 2018, setting sail again at 3:40 p.m. for Capri, making its inaugural return to Marina Grance at 8:45 p.m. the same day. The diligent crew managed to control the fire, while the Coast Guard supervised the vessel until the arrival of the tug "MN Agata" from Medmar. At 7:40 p.m., the ferry received clearance to head toward the Naples port, where it arrived around midnight. For further details and visual coverage, view the reports here: [Il Dispari Quotidiano](http://www.ildispariquotidiano.it/it/incendio-in-sala-macchine-per-il-driade-soccorsi-in-azione/) and [Napoli Today](http://www.napolitoday.it/cronaca/incendio-traghetto-caremar-ischia-procida.html).