Discover the Golden-Bridge: Ratings & Maritime News

In a rapid emergency response, the crew of the ferry 'Golden Bridge' effectively controlled a fire that erupted on March 6, 2026, at 5 a.m. while traversing the route from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca. The incident originated from a cabin within a commercial vehicle stationed on the car deck. Following established safety protocols, the crew quickly contained the fire, ensuring that passengers remained unharmed. During the incident, the stern area of the vessel was evacuated, and the crew kept passengers informed throughout the ordeal. Notably, no passengers requested assistance, demonstrating the professionalism of the crew and the efficacy of their emergency protocols. Following the incident, the 'Golden Bridge' continued its journey without delay. GNV, the ferry operator, addressed previous misinformation, clarifying that the affected vehicle was not a refrigerated truck and had been loaded under the port terminal's standard operation protocols. Due to the fire's source being traceable to a vehicle loaded from land, GNV, in collaboration with the vessel's owner, lodged a formal complaint with relevant authorities on March 7 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. GNV has committed to fully cooperating with both the authorities and the ship's owner to ensure a thorough examination of the event. The ferry set sail again on March 9, this time en route to Piraeus, with an estimated time of arrival on March 12. For further information and images related to the incident, visit the report at Shipping Italy.

Early on March 6, 2026, a fire erupted in a truck aboard the ferry 'Golden Bridge' while it was navigating approximately 50 nautical miles from Palma de Mallorca, carrying 126 passengers and 46 crew members. The crew swiftly contained and extinguished the flames, allowing the vessel to continue its journey. Docking at Palma at around 9:30 a.m., the 'Golden Bridge' was met by emergency services, including the Helimer 203 helicopter, the emergency tug 'Marta Mata' (IMO: 9429120), and the SAR boat 'Salvamar Libertas', dispatched by Salvamento Marítimo. Despite the successful extinguishing of the fire, the presence of smoke in the hold necessitated a comprehensive response from local authorities, including the Palma Firefighters (SEIB 112) and the Civil Guard, prompting the mobilization of additional support, although the tugs were ultimately not required. Following disembarkation, medical teams from SAMU 061 treated 12 passengers, with ten suffering minor injuries, while two individuals, including a three-year-old girl, were reported in serious condition and required hospitalization. Investigations into the cause of the fire are currently underway. Read more about the incident with accompanying imagery and video reports: https://www.elperiodico.com/es/sociedad/20260306/nuevo-incendio-bodega-ferry-cubria-127630158 https://www.cronicabalear.es/mallorca/2026-03-06/incendio-ferry-llegado-palma-es-segundo-menos-24-horas/ https://x.com/i/status/2029855333955285281

On the morning of March 6, 2026, a fire incident occurred involving a truck stored on the 'Golden Bridge', which was making its way from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca with 200 passengers aboard. The vigilant crew quickly acted to extinguish the flames, ensuring the safety of all passengers with no injuries reported. Following the successful emergency response, the vessel continued its scheduled journey, docking at Palma at approximately 9:30 a.m. Upon arrival, local fire crews conducted a thorough inspection of the ship's interior to confirm that the fire was completely extinguished before allowing disembarkation.

On the night of January 13, 2021, the Port Authority of Igoumenitsa received notification regarding an incident involving the ferry 'Golden Bridge'. While attempting to dock at the Igoumenitsa port, the vessel collided with the mooring bumpers. The 'Golden Bridge' was on its regular service route, connecting Brindisi to Igoumenitsa at the time of the allision. Following the incident, local ship inspectors conducted an immediate examination of the ferry, which revealed a significant hull breach, measuring one meter above the waterline. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and assessments confirmed there was neither marine pollution nor any water ingress. The ferry successfully disembarked a total of 35 passengers, along with 28 cars and two trucks. Meanwhile, 69 passengers, along with 26 vehicles and 14 trucks that were awaiting embarkation, were assisted by the ship's owner to ensure they reached their destinations without further delays. The Central Port Authority of Igoumenitsa undertook a thorough preliminary investigation and subsequently issued a prohibition on the vessel's departure until it can present both an airworthiness certificate and a class maintenance certificate from its classification society. As of January 14, the 'Golden Bridge' remained at the port, unable to set sail.

The 'Golden Bridge' ferry, which has been operational between Motril and Melilla since June, is currently sidelined following a significant hull crack discovered on August 11, 2019. This incident has led to the cancellation of all ticket reservations, with services expected to remain suspended until at least the night of August 14. The ferry is undergoing necessary repairs at El Varadero in Motril to ensure its safe return to service. Affected passengers have been provided with travel alternatives that include options with another shipping company or the opportunity to receive a full ticket refund. The vessel is anticipated to resume operations, with its next scheduled departure from Motril set for August 15 at 8:30 a.m.

FRS is set to elevate its maritime service between Motril and Tangier Med with the introduction of the GOLDEN BRIDGE in May. This new vessel is set to enhance the existing passenger service to Melilla. The current all-cargo carrier, VOLCAN DE TAUCE, will transition to enhance the Motril-Tangier Med route, upgrading the service to better meet shipping demands and improve efficiency.