Maltese Passengers Stranded On Cruise Ship

A group of Maltese passengers are among more than 8,500 people stranded at sea after the cruise liner MSC World Europa suffered an electrical failure early this morning, state broadcaster TVM reported.

The incident occurred at around 7:25am while the ship, travelling from Genoa to Naples as part of its Mediterranean itinerary, experienced engine problems eight nautical miles southwest of the Italian island of Ponza.

The vessel is carrying 6,496 passengers and 2,089 crew members. Although the ship remains adrift, all on board are safe. Essential services are being maintained through backup generators.

Maltese passengers who contacted TVM said they first noticed the problem when power went out across the ship. Crew members urged passengers to remain calm, confirming that the liner is currently operating on emergency power. They also noted that sea conditions remain favourable.

The Italian Coast Guard has described the situation as stable. Two patrol boats and a helicopter have been dispatched as precautionary measures, while tugboats from Gioia Tauro and Naples are en route to tow the vessel to port.

MSC Cruises said engineers will board the ship to assess and repair the fault, but no timeline has yet been given for the ship’s arrival in Naples.

The MSC World Europa, one of the largest vessels in the company’s fleet, was operating a Mediterranean route including Malta, Genoa, Naples, Messina, Barcelona, and Marseille.

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Photo Credit: MSC Cruises