Discover the Mega-Andrea: Ratings & Maritime News

An investigation into the tragic death of a passenger aboard the 'MEga Andrea' ferry is underway in Bastia, following an incident that occurred on the evening of August 28. The inquiry centers on potential involuntary homicide (manslaughter) after a vehicle plunged into the sea due to a navigational error. The vehicle, carrying a 70-year-old driver and two female passengers aged 60 and 70, fell into the water after making a wrong turn during disembarkation. Initially, the ferry had set sail from Toulon and was expected to dock at L'Île-Rousse as well as Haute-Corse, Corsica. However, it altered its route to Bastia amidst severe weather conditions characterized by strong winds and heavy rain. The fortunate survivors were rescued by two port management personnel from the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Corse (CCI) and a security officer from Hestia. Sadly, despite the efforts of approximately 20 firefighters who later assisted in retrieving the victim from the water, the 70-year-old driver did not survive the incident. In response to this unfortunate event, the CCI de Corse is actively collaborating with judicial authorities to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Additionally, the organization has initiated an internal probe into the incident and has established a psychological support team to aid those impacted, in conjunction with the Haute-Corse prefecture.

On August 28, around 10 p.m., emergency responders were alerted to a critical situation aboard the 'Mega Andrea', a ferry stranded due to inclement weather as it attempted to navigate into Bastia port. Firefighters and emergency medical personnel swiftly coordinated to assist a pregnant passenger in distress. A Dragon 2B helicopter was dispatched and bravely managed to hoist the expectant mother from the tumultuous conditions at sea, despite the challenges posed by adverse weather. After an unsuccessful attempt to land at the Bastia hospital, the helicopter redirected to Bastia airport, where the woman was transported by ambulance to the hospital center. Fortunately, she had already given birth to her baby during the ordeal. In a subsequent operation, the newborn was flown by Dragon 06 helicopter to a neonatology unit in Nice. Reports indicate that both mother and baby are in good health following the dramatic medevac. For further details, watch the video report: https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/corse/haute-corse/la-maman-et-le-bebe-helitreuilles-en-pleine-nuit-depuis-le-navire-de-la-corsica-ferries-sont-en-bonne-sante-2831045.html

A tragic accident occurred at Bastia Port in France on September 29, 2023, just after 1 a.m., resulting in a passenger's death after a vehicle plunged into the port basin. The incident involved a car that had disembarked from the ferry 'Mega Andrea', which had just arrived from Toulon at 12:40 a.m. The vehicle, carrying four occupants, fell into the water while attempting to exit the terminal area, specifically near the southernmost berth by the Quai des Martyrs. Upon impact, emergency services were swiftly alerted by both port employees from the Corsican Chamber of Commerce and security personnel present at the scene. They immediately jumped into the water to assist the occupants. Two women and a man, all approximately 60 years old, were rescued from the submerged vehicle, managing only minor injuries. However, the rescue efforts for the fourth occupant, a male passenger, proved to be extraordinarily challenging due to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain. Firefighters arrived promptly, utilizing a lifeboat, divers, and additional rescue vehicles to attempt to extract him from the cabin. Sadly, despite their best efforts, they were unable to save his life. The 'Mega Andrea' ferry set sail for Nice at 2:30 a.m. after the incident, with the tragic events casting a shadow over the night at Bastia Port. The maritime and emergency response teams are being praised for their rapid response under trying conditions.