Giraglia Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On January 28, 2026, the 'Giraglia', a ferry operated by Moby Lines, was detained by maritime authorities in Bonifacio, Corsica. The vessel set sail from Livorno on January 22, 2026, and arrived at its destination on the same day, only to be held in port ever since. This is not the first time the 'Giraglia' has faced scrutiny; during an inspection in summer 2025, the ship was found to have four significant deficiencies. Initially scheduled to provide service on the Bonifacio route until August 2025, the ferry has struggled with frequent operational issues in recent months, leading to its withdrawal from the Bonifacio to Santa Teresa Gallura (Sardinia) route. Since then, the 'Bunifazziu' has taken over this crossing after the withdrawal of not only the 'Giraglia' but also another vessel, the 'Bastia'.

On November 13, 2024, the ferry 'Giraglia,' which facilitates travel between Santa Teresa Gallura and Bonifacio, experienced a significant engine failure while docked at the Santa Teresa di Gallura port. As a result, the ferry will be unavailable for several days, leaving travelers stranded. Compounding the issue, no alternative vessel has been put into service due to the absence of the 'Ichnusa,' which has been out of operation since October 31 following the expiration of its seasonal agreement and subsequent maintenance work in a shipyard. Throughout the busy tourist season, the 'Ichnusa' had frequently stepped in to cover for the 'Giraglia' during its ongoing mechanical issues. This interruption has sparked a wave of frustration among passengers who found themselves unable to return home, leading many to rent boats in Bonifacio just to reach Santa Teresa Gallura, often leaving their vehicles behind. Currently, the only remaining connection between Sardinia and Corsica is a once-a-week service from Porto Torres, adding to the travel disruptions faced by tourists and locals alike.

On February 6, 2020, at 11 a.m., the 'Giraglia', a vital ferry operating between Santa Teresa di Gallura and Bonifacio, encountered trouble shortly after its departure from Gallura. The vessel collided with a rock, leading to an eight-meter breach in its hull, measuring 40 centimeters in width. Fortunately, the ferry's pumps managed to handle the ensuing flooding, allowing the craft to return to the dock, despite listing to its port side. All 69 passengers and crew members, apart from one officer, were safely disembarked without any reported injuries or fuel spills. However, the incident suspended the ferry service, which is the only connection between Corsica and Sardinia during the winter months. The 'Giraglia' was subsequently secured at the port of Santa Teresa di Gallura, where divers were dispatched to inspect the hull, and an oil boom was deployed as a precaution. This incident occurred during the ferry's first voyage after two days of inclement weather, with the ship fully loaded with both passengers and vehicles. In response, the La Maddalena port authority initiated an investigation into the accident. For safety reasons, the crew of the 'Giraglia' spent the night ashore. By February 7, technicians arrived from Olbia to commence repairs, intended to facilitate towing the ferry to Livorno for comprehensive fixes. However, on May 1, it was determined that the Moby group would not return the ferry to service due to extensive damage, including deep gashes. Consequently, Moby decided against undertaking the necessary repairs and opted to list the vessel for sale. Italian report with photo: https://www.cagliaripad.it/437731/santa-teresa-gallura-squarcio-di-8-metri-sul-moby-giraglia/

On May 2, 2023, the ferry 'Giraglia' faced an engine failure that compelled it to make an unexpected return to Longonsardo in Santa Teresa shortly after 7 a.m. The vessel was carrying 60 passengers, all of whom were safely disembarked once the ship reached the port. After undergoing necessary repairs, the 'Giraglia' was cleared for service by Rina later that evening. This incident follows a previous mishap on April 24, when the ferry encountered a mooring accident in Bonifacio.