Passenger fall from vessel on Costa Smeralda – Civitavecchia Port, Italy – Friday, 6 February 2026

Incident Summary
In the early afternoon of Friday, 6 February 2026, authorities at Civitavecchia Port (Rome) responded after a passenger from Costa Smeralda fell from the side of the vessel onto the pier. The ship was berthed at Pier 12 at the time. Resuscitation efforts were undertaken by emergency responders and the ship’s medical personnel. The passenger was confirmed deceased at the scene, and the vessel was later cleared to resume its scheduled itinerary that evening.

Vessel Information

• Vessel Name: Costa Smeralda
• Vessel Type: Cruise ship
• Operator/Cruise Line: Costa Cruises
• Flag State: Not specified
• Passengers on Board: Not specified
• Crew on Board: Not specified

Details of the Incident
The incident occurred in the early afternoon of 6 February 2026 while Costa Smeralda was berthed at Pier 12 in Civitavecchia Port/Rome and conducting routine operations. A middle-aged German national fell from the side of the vessel onto the quayside, described as a considerable distance.

Emergency responders, including firefighters who were already deployed for a separate medical evacuation on board, commenced resuscitation efforts in conjunction with the ship’s medical personnel. An emergency medical doctor later confirmed the passenger’s death at the scene.

The source report stated that initial reports classified the event as a deliberate act following a preliminary assessment by port police and the Coast Guard, and that formal inquiries into the precise circumstances were ongoing.

After local authorities completed requisite checks and there were no further requirements for onboard inspections, the vessel was cleared to resume its scheduled itinerary later that evening.

Injuries and Casualties

• Fatalities: 1
• Injuries: None reported
• Passengers Affected: One passenger (middle-aged German national)

Emergency Response

• Authorities in Civitavecchia Port/Rome responded, including port police and the Coast Guard.
• Firefighters and the ship’s medical personnel conducted resuscitation efforts; an emergency medical doctor confirmed death at the scene.
• Local authorities completed checks and cleared the vessel to resume its itinerary later that evening.

Maritime Investigation
Formal inquiries into the circumstances were reported as ongoing at the time of publication.

• Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA): Not specified
• Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB): Not specified
• Port police and the Coast Guard: Involvement reported (preliminary assessment referenced)

Operator Response
Costa Cruises notified the relevant authorities and extended sympathy to the deceased’s family, stating that crew and emergency procedures were activated promptly following the occurrence.

Conclusion
A passenger fatality occurred after a fall from Costa Smeralda onto the pier while the vessel was berthed at Pier 12 in Civitavecchia Port on 6 February 2026. Emergency response and local authority checks were completed, and the ship was cleared to continue its scheduled itinerary later that evening. Formal inquiries were reported as ongoing at the time of publication.