The Jean-Nicoli: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On the evening of November 19, a tragic event occurred on the ferry 'Jean Nicoli' during its voyage from Algiers to Marseille, resulting in the death of a passenger due to cardiac arrest. Upon arrival at the port in Marseille, French authorities initiated an investigation to uncover the details surrounding the incident. Notably, the vessel did not have a medical professional on board to address medical emergencies. The decision to route the 'Jean Nicoli' to Marseille stemmed from the ship’s detention by Algerian maritime officials on November 12. This unexpected development has caused several schedule adjustments for Corsica Linea's operations from Algerian ports. The maritime gendarmerie commenced their investigation as soon as the ferry docked, focusing on the events that led to the unfortunate loss of life during the crossing.

On November 12, 2025, the ferry 'Jean Nicoli' was detained in the bustling port of Algiers, prompting swift action from the Algerian maritime authorities, who have yet to disclose the reasons behind the detention. In light of this unexpected event, operator Corsica Linea has made significant alterations to its sailing itinerary. Notably, the planned Sète-Bejaïa voyage set for November 13 has been canceled, alongside the subsequent Bejaïa-Marseille crossing on November 14. Furthermore, the Marseille-Tunis crossing, originally slated for November 15, has been rescheduled for November 16 and will be serviced by the ferry 'Vizzavona'. Fortunately, the 'Jean Nicoli' was released on November 17 and continued its journey towards Marseille.

On the evening of November 20, 2024, at approximately 9:20 p.m., the ferry 'Jean Nicoli' successfully rescued a group of 19 migrants of Maghreb origin who found themselves in perilous conditions on a small boat en route to Mallorca. The crew of the 'Jean Nicoli' spotted the distressed dinghy while navigating approximately 80 nautical miles south of the Cabrera archipelago. The ferry, which operates between Tunis and Marseille, promptly responded to the situation, ensuring the migrants' safety. Following the rescue, the vessel continued its course and arrived in Palma de Mallorca on November 21, providing a crucial lifeline for those in need.

On April 6, 2022, a maritime incident occurred in the bustling Port of Algiers when the ferry 'Jean Nicoli' collided with the oil tanker 'Tolga' (IMO: 9883912). The accident took place as the Ferries of Corsica Linéa were executing docking maneuvers. The impact struck the moored 'Tolga' on its port side stern and superstructure. Initial examinations have been conducted by specialists from Naftal alongside a representative from Damen. In light of this incident, relevant authorities at the Port of Algiers and the commercial shipping sector have launched a thorough investigation to uncover the factors leading to this collision. Fortunately, preliminary reports indicate that the 'Jean Nicoli' sustained only minor damage. For a detailed visual report, visit: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/video-corsica-ropax-ferry-strikes-docked-product-tanker.

On May 17, 2020, the ferry 'Jean Nicoli' set sail from La Goulette port, bound for Marseille, carrying over 460 French citizens who had been stranded in Tunisia for nearly two months due to border closures prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. This journey enabled the passengers to return to France along with their vehicles. In appreciation, the French Embassy expressed gratitude towards Corsica Linea, the Tunisian Navigation Campaign, the Tunisian authorities, and the PACA regional prefecture for their cooperation during this critical repatriation effort. The ferry is scheduled to arrive in Marseille on May 18 at 1:30 p.m.