Fire Breaks Out on RAFFAELE RUBATTINO Ferry Off Naples; No Injuries Reported

FerryA fire erupted in the engine room of the Tirrenia-operated RAFFAELE RUBATTINO ferry on Monday evening, leaving the vessel adrift about 15 nautical miles northwest of Capri in the Gulf of Naples. The ship, en route from Palermo to Naples with 155 passengers, crew, and vehicles aboard, experienced the blaze shortly before 6 p.m., prompting the captain to issue a mayday call.

The crew quickly extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. However, the fire damaged the engines, rendering the ferry unable to navigate independently. Rescue operations coordinated by the Naples Port Authority swiftly mobilized two patrol boats and two tugboats to tow the vessel to port. Nearby ships, including the GNV AURIGA ferry also from Palermo, approached to offer assistance, but evacuation was deemed unnecessary.

Tirrenia confirmed the incident in a statement: "The fire was promptly extinguished by the crew. There are no injuries. The ship is arriving in the port of Naples with the help of two tugboats." A column of smoke was visible from the engine room, as captured in photos published by local media. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the ferry is safely towed to its destination.

Aug 11 2025