Discover the Med-Trabzon: Ratings & Maritime News

On the morning of November 2, 2019, the Piraeus Port Authority received a report regarding the main engine failure of the 'MSC Giannina'. The vessel had set sail from Piraeus at 10 a.m., en route to Burgas, when it experienced complications that necessitated immediate attention. To facilitate repairs, the ship anchored just off the coast of Piraeus, supported by two tugboats. The Central Piraeus Port Authority subsequently detained the vessel until all repairs were finalized. By 10 p.m., 'MSC Giannina' was secured in position 37° 53.55' N 023° 32.81' E, allowing for the completion of repairs and inspection. The ship is expected to resume its journey to Burgas, with an estimated time of arrival slated for November 5 at 4 p.m.

On November 7, 2023, Dmytro Savinykh and Oleksandr Maltsevdi, two officers from the MSC Giannina, were taken into custody following the shocking disappearance of 51-year-old Captain Yurii Kharytonov. The captain was last seen during the night of November 19-20. The arrest, initiated by Deputy Prosecutor Marcello Maresca, has left many in the maritime community reeling as the officers are accused of allegedly taking Kharytonov's life with their bare hands and disposing of his body in the sea while en route to Genoa. Currently, the MSC Giannina remains docked at the VTE Voltri Terminal Europe, where scientific investigations are ongoing. The suspects are scheduled to face questioning at Marassi's Circondary House on November 8.

On October 19, 2017, the search intensified for Juri Kharytonov, the 54-year-old Ukrainian captain of the MSC Giannina, after he was reported missing while the vessel navigated through the Tyrrhenian Sea at coordinates 13°53'N, 013°43'E. The MSC Giannina was making its way from Gioia Tauro to Genoa when Kharytonov was last seen aboard during the early evening hours. Following an extensive onboard search by the crew of 22, the ship turned around to retrace its route spanning the waters between Corsica and Elba in hopes of locating the missing captain. The CROSS Med in Corsica took charge, collaborating with Italian sea rescue services to orchestrate a search and rescue operation. Throughout the day, Italian aircraft and helicopters, supported by French authorities, scoured the area for any signs of Kharytonov. Notable resources included a Puma helicopter from the Solenzarra Air Base and a Falcon 50 from the Lann Bihoué Navy Base, alongside SNSM boats from Macinaggio and Bastia. After hours of searching, the Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean called off the operation at 7:17 PM. Subsequently, the MSC Giannina continued its voyage under the command of the Chief Officer, arriving at Voltri Port in Genoa at 10:30 PM, where the vessel was then seized. Authorities from Genoa police boarded to conduct interrogations with the crew regarding the incident.