Ferry Carrying 350 People Stranded off Croatia

The 1980-built ferry Aurelia, carrying almost 350 people aboard, has been stranded off the coast of Split, Croatia.

According to local media reports, one of its engines malfunctioned in the early morning hours of May 9, causing the ship to drift into the Adriatic Sea.

Italian firm SNAV, the ferry’s operator, confirmed that the Aurelia “suffered a power failure in its propulsion system yesterday morning, around 40 nautical miles from Split (Croatia), its destination.”

Two tugboats have been sent to assist the stranded ferry, however, due to strong winds the units had to return back.

A third tug managed to attach a tow line to Aurelia.

“Shortly after 3:30 pm, a tugboat reached the ship and started towing it towards Split, where it arrived today,” SNAV said, adding that “all passengers are in good condition, having received full assistance from the ship’s crew.”

Aurelia is deployed on a service between Ancona, Italy and Split, Croatia. At the time of the incident the vessel was travelling overnight to the Croatian port.

World Maritime News Staff