The Monte-Doro: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a strategic move to enhance its fleet, Corsica Linea has officially sold the ferry 'Monte d'Oro', now rebranded as 'Monte Express'. This transition comes on the heels of the deployment of the 'Capu di Maru', previously known as the 'Kalliste', which Corsica Linea acquired from La Méridionale in early 2026. The 'Monte Express', having changed its registration from the French flag to the Cypriot flag, made its arrival in Alexandria on May 15. While no formal announcement has confirmed the new ownership, reliable sources suggest that the vessel has been acquired by UME Shipping, a shipping company based in Alexandria.

On March 13, 2018, the "Monte d'Oro" ferry was forced to change its docking plans due to a powerful gale affecting Corsica. Originally scheduled to arrive at L'Ile-Rousse at 7 a.m. after departing from Marseille the previous night with approximately 40 passengers and 15 trailers, the vessel faced unexpected weather challenges. With strong west winds gusting between 60 to 70 km/h along the eastern shore of Cap Corse and 40 to 50 km/h in the Balagne area, the ferry was unable to dock as intended. As a result, the ferry company made the decision to redirect the ship to Ajaccio, where it successfully docked later in the afternoon. All passengers were promptly notified of the situation and were given options to continue their journey either to Marseille or Bastia aboard the "Piana" or remain on the "Monte d'Oro" traveling to Ajaccio. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges maritime operators face due to unpredictable weather conditions.

On the night of April 30, the cruise ship "Costa Diadema" spotted two red distress flares launched from an unidentified vessel, which failed to respond to VHF communication. As the semaphores Cape Camarat and Dramont also reported seeing the pyrotechnic signals in the vicinity, the CROSS Med coordinated efforts to locate the distressed boats. The ferry "Monte d'Oro", on its route from Ile Rousse to Marseille, was assigned to assist in the search. Challenging weather conditions prevailed, with WNW winds reaching 35 knots and wave heights of 2.5 meters. During this critical situation, CROSS received an alert concerning two friends on sailboats measuring six and nine meters, who were lost off the coast of Levant Island. Establishing phone contact, CROSS learned that both skippers, feeling unwell and lacking experience, were uncertain about their exact location and had activated their flares to signal for help. Responding promptly, CROSS alerted the SNSM stations in Hyères and St. Tropez. A Dauphin helicopter from the Hyères Navy Base was dispatched and successfully located the first yacht at 3:45 a.m. and the second at 4:07 a.m. Under the protection of the "Monte d'Oro" and aided by the helicopter, the SNSM boat from Hyères towed the first yacht by 4:34 a.m., guiding it back to Cavalaire's port, while the ferry continued its journey towards Marseille after the helicopter returned for refueling. At 4:54 a.m., the SNSM boat from St. Tropez located the second yacht, and at 5:25 a.m., the helicopter was airborne once more. By 5:41 a.m., the SNSM boat Bailli de Suffren II successfully towed the second yacht safely to shore, concluding a well-coordinated rescue operation that underscored the importance of maritime safety and effective emergency response.