Working Conditions Aboard the Msc-Lirica

On the morning of October 23, 2022, the Port Authority of Thira received a crucial alert regarding a medical emergency aboard the MSC Lirica. A 77-year-old female passenger required immediate medical attention and needed to be transported to a hospital. Responding swiftly, the vessel 'Lawyer' arrived on the scene to facilitate the evacuation. After safely boarding the woman, the 'Lawyer' set sail for Athenios port. Upon arrival, an ambulance was ready to transfer her to the general hospital of Thiras for urgent treatment, while the MSC Lirica continued on its scheduled journey.

MSC is currently conducting a thorough investigation following a fire that occurred aboard the 'MSC Lirica'. The incident was promptly reported by the ship's crew to the cruise line’s maritime support centre in London on March 13 at 3:42 p.m. local time in Corfu, where the vessel is stationed for warm layup. Initial reports indicate that the fire started in one of the fibreglass lifeboats located on the starboard side on deck six. The quick response of the ship's two fire brigades, along with assistance from local emergency services, played a crucial role in containing the blaze. The emergency operation was officially declared resolved by 6:58 p.m. local time. Preliminary assessments suggest that while there was no internal damage to the ship, the side of the vessel suffered some harm due to flames and thick black smoke emitted by the burning lifeboats. A comprehensive investigation into the cause and circumstances of the fire is currently underway. For further details and photographs, visit the report here: https://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/investigation-underway-after-cruise-ship-catches-fire/

A significant fire incident occurred on March 12, 2021, when flames erupted aboard the MSC Lirica, a cruise ship currently docked for repairs at the port of Corfu Town since January 30. The alarm was raised at 3:42 p.m. as thick black smoke began billowing from the starboard side of the vessel. The blaze ignited in the middle section of the ship, notably on deck 6, where passenger cabins are located, and flames were reportedly shooting from the ship and its lifeboats. Initial reports suggest that a fiberglass lifeboat may have sparked the fire. The vessel was moored on a narrow, recently constructed pier, complicating access for fire response teams. Initial firefighting efforts were supported by a ferry that transported firefighting equipment, followed by a second ferry to further bolster the response. The first fireboat arrived on the scene at 4:19 p.m., commencing external firefighting operations. A total of 38 firefighters were mobilized with 13 vehicles, including a specially equipped firefighting boat carrying eight firefighters to combat the flames. The Greek Navy deployed a naval vessel and lifeboat to assist in the emergency efforts, while three tugboats were also on-site. In total, eight ships equipped with 28 firefighters worked to quench the flames from the water. Ground support came from five fire engines with another 10 firefighters dispatched from Epirus, alongside the K-Line ferry Alkinoos and the Grigoris M, who contributed to the firefighting operations. Civil Protection water carriers from the municipality and region joined in the effort, and an oil boom was installed to contain potential spillages. The situation was eventually brought under control by 6 p.m., with the fire officially extinguished by 6:58 p.m. Fortunately, none of the 51 crew members aboard the MSC Lirica reported injuries, although one firefighter was hospitalized due to suspected smoke inhalation. Preliminary assessments indicate limited damage to the ship's interior. At the time of the incident, the vessel was in a 'warm layup' status. For detailed reports and images, visit the following links: [Real.gr](https://www.real.gr/koinonia/arthro/kerkyra_ypo_meriko_elegxo_h_fotia_pou_ksespase_sto_krouazieroploio_msc_lirica-721546/), [Cruise Industry News](https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/24549-msc-lirica-is-on-fire-in-corfu.html), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/CrewOfTheSeas/status/1370382162676092928), [Le Marin](https://lemarin.ouest-france.fr/secteurs-activites/shipping/38458-le-paquebot-msc-lirica-en-feu-corfou).