MSC World Europa lost power while at sea yesterday (Monday), requiring Italian Coast Guard assistance and delaying its itinerary.
The ship, which was carrying almost 6,500 passengers, lost propulsion due to a technical issue at 7.25am local time near the island of Ponza. The Italian Coast Guard deployed tugboats, a patrol vessel and a helicopter to monitor the situation.
The ship is on a seven-night Mediterranean cruise from Sicily, which is due to end today (Tuesday). It had been cruising from Genoa to Naples when the outage occurred.
At the time, the Italian Coast Guard told Shipping Italy: “The situation on board is calm and under control. The weather and sea conditions are favourable and the essential services for passengers continue to be provided by the onboard generators.”
Shipping Italy reported MSC Cruises said: “All onboard services continue to operate regularly, and there are no conditions that compromise the safety of guests or crew.”
By 4.30pm local time, the ship’s propulsion system was partially restored, and full checks were due to be carried out in Naples when it arrived at 9pm – eight hours behind its planned arrival.
MSC Cruises told Travel Gossip that MSC World Europa is now sailing along the coast on its way to Sicily and will arrive in the port of Messina later this afternoon. It had been due to arrive earlier this morning.
The ship is due to depart on its next seven-night cruise this evening.
