MSC Sinfonia Collision in Port Syracuse: Incident on 6 January 2024

On 6 January 2024, the cruise ship MSC Sinfonia broke its mooring lines while anchored at Port Syracuse in Sicily, Italy, due to severe weather conditions. The vessel drifted uncontrollably and collided with multiple pleasure boats and yachts in the Marina Yachting harbour and a dock at Foro Italico on Ortigia Island, resulting in two boats sinking and extensive damage to the marina infrastructure. No passengers were onboard at the time, and no injuries were reported.

The MSC Sinfonia was in port for routine technical maintenance when the incident occurred. Four tugboats assisted in towing the vessel back to its designated anchorage and later to a more sheltered location for safety.

Strong winds reaching speeds of up to 50 knots (approximately 90 km/h or 60 mph) caused the MSC Sinfonia to lose its anchorage. The vessel drifted uncontrollably across the harbour, striking multiple pleasure boats and yachts. Two boats sank as a result of the collisions, while several others sustained damage. The Marina Yachting facility and the dock at Foro Italico also suffered considerable damage from the impact.

Passengers

• None onboard at the time of the incident.

Crew

• Crew numbers not specified in source.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• Not applicable; no persons in distress.

Four tugboats responded to assist the MSC Sinfonia. The vessel was towed back to its designated anchorage area and subsequently moved to a more sheltered location within the port to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of the ship and surrounding harbour infrastructure.

The MSC Sinfonia was secured in a sheltered anchorage following the incident. The vessel remained in Port Syracuse for completion of its routine technical maintenance. The extent of damage to the marina and pleasure boats required assessment and repair by local authorities and vessel owners.