The Malta-flagged cruise vessel MSC World Europa suffered a technical failure while navigating the Tyrrhenian Sea en route from Genoa to Naples.
The incident occurred at approximately 07:25 a.m. when the ship reported an electrical malfunction affecting its engines. At the time, the vessel lay about 8 nautical miles (~15 km/~9 mi) southwest of Ponza Island, positioned between Rome and Naples.
On board were 8,585 persons, including nearly 6,500 passengers and more than 2,000 crew members.
The Italian Coast Guard has confirmed that the ship remains stable. Weather and sea conditions are favorable, and electrical supply for essential services is being maintained by auxiliary generators.
Two tugboats have been dispatched with the objective of towing the vessel to Naples.
Technical specialists are also expected to board in order to examine the affected systems.
As a precautionary measure, the Coast Guard deployed two patrol craft and a helicopter to the vicinity. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at Civitavecchia is maintaining continuous oversight of the operation.
For more MSC World Europa incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.