On May 3, 2025, the luxury cruise vessel Silver Ray, operated by Silversea Cruises, navigated within 500 meters of the Faraglioni rock formations off the coast of Capri, Italy, contravening local maritime regulations. The Italian Coast Guard, under the direction of Commander Francesco Potenzieri, utilized Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and the Pelagus monitoring platform to confirm the vessel's proximity to the protected area, which mandates a minimum distance of 500 meters from the coastline.
Following the investigation, the Campania Maritime Authority imposed a fine of EUR 1,032 on the vessel and issued a formal warning to the ship's captain. While the financial penalty is modest, authorities emphasized that it serves as an official reprimand and underscores the importance of adhering to navigation codes along the Campanian coast.
The incident drew swift attention from environmental organizations. Members of Legambiente's Capri chapter documented the vessel's approach, submitting photographic and video evidence to the Coast Guard. The group is advocating for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area around Capri to safeguard its fragile marine ecosystems, which are home to endangered species such as the Mediterranean monk seal.
This event has reignited discussions about maritime safety and environmental protection in the region, highlighting the need for stringent enforcement of navigational regulations to preserve Italy's coastal landmarks and marine biodiversity.
For more Silver Ray incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.