Fugro Mercator survey vessel runs aground

The company said in a statement that authorities were immediately notified with the Italian coastguard arriving swiftly onsite to provide support and monitor the situation. All crew, 11 people in total, were evacuated and taken ashore safely. 

”It is not yet clear what led to the Fugro Mercator running aground. The 42-metre research vessel was performing survey work off the coast of Elba, when it went looking for shelter due to deteriorating weather conditions,” the statement said.

“In accordance with our standard procedures, Fugro will conduct a full review of the event.”

Reef reports

VesselTracker reports that the vessel ran aground on the reef of the Enfola promontory, near Portoferraio.

It said that while seeking shelter from the bad weather, the vessel got too close to the coast, hitting the shallow water and coming to rest along the rocky cliff in the area.

The accident apparently caused water to enter the hull, which was initially contained by the crew, but which subsequently damaged part of the engines, causing a total blackout of the on-board equipment.

It’s not clear whether the ship got close to the coast due to a strong wind, or whether it had technical problems with the propulsion systems.

Underwater inspections are currently underway as part of the salvage operation being prepared which will involve both international experts and local officials.

There has been no report of any marine pollution due to fuel spills.

Fugro Mercator is a 42.35-metre survey vessel deployed in some of the most challenging locations for bathymetric and geophysical surveys, cable and pipeline route surveys.