The cruise ship MSC World Europa reported an electrical propulsion issue at 7:25 a.m. this morning while approximately 8 nautical miles off the coast of the island of Ponza. According to the Italian Coast Guard, the vessel was en route from Genoa to Naples with 8,585 people on board—6,496 passengers and 2,089 crew members.
The Coast Guard stated the situation on board remains calm. Favorable sea conditions and the ship’s onboard generators have ensured all essential services for passengers continue to operate uninterrupted. In response, two tugboats were dispatched from the ports of Gioia Tauro and Naples to assist the cruise liner.
Technicians later managed to restore propulsion, and the ship resumed its journey under its own power in the afternoon. It is now traveling autonomously, escorted by Coast Guard patrol boats and at a speed of approximately 14 knots. The two tugboats are also in the area as a precaution.
The vessel is expected to arrive in Naples by 9:00 p.m. tonight as scheduled. Disembarkation and embarkation of guests will proceed this evening. Barring any further issues, the ship is slated to depart for its next port of call, Messina, tomorrow morning. However, MSC has stated this departure will only be confirmed after a further inspection is conducted upon arrival in Naples.