Breathe a sigh of relief off Ponza: Cruise giant MSC World Europa back on course after breakdown
A moment of shock for thousands of holidaymakers this Monday morning: the cruise ship MSC World Europa was left unable to maneuver in the Mediterranean with around 8,500 people on board after a serious breakdown. At around 7:25 a.m., the captain of the giant, which was on its way from Genoa to Naples, reported an electrical problem with the engines. The ship came to a standstill around eight nautical miles off the picturesque island of Ponza. One passenger reported on social media: "We've been at a standstill since sunrise."
However, after several hours of uncertainty, the all-clear has now been given. Specialized technicians from the shipping company MSC, who were brought on board, were apparently able to provisionally restart the propulsion system. The ship has slowly resumed its journey towards the port of Naples.
Coastguard in action - situation on board under control
A large contingent of the Italian Coast Guard immediately secured the situation. Patrol boats from Ponza and Naples and a helicopter were sent to the area to accompany the unmaneuverable ship and intervene in an emergency. Two ocean-going tugs were sent from Naples and Gioia Tauro as a precautionary measure. According to the coastguard, the situation on board the ship is calm and under control. Thanks to favorable weather conditions and functioning on-board generators, which ensure basic supplies, there was no immediate danger to the 6,496 passengers and 2,089 crew members at any time. While the technicians continue to work on a solution, the arrival in Naples is not expected until late at night, which will also lead to considerable delays for those tourists who were waiting there to embark.
