Italian Coast Guard Responds to Two Groundings Amid Storm Herminia

As Storm Herminia hits the Mediterranean, the Italian Coast Guard has been busy responding to two separate groundings in less than 24 hours. The first incident involved the fishing vessel Calimero Sampa, which ran aground off Cesenatico on the Adriatic coast. The crew of four members stayed on board as the vessel partially capsized, waiting for evacuation. The Guardia Costiera successfully rescued all crew members within 45 minutes, transferring them to shore for medical evaluation.

The second incident occurred the next day when the hopper dredger Guang Rong ran aground on a beachfront in Marina di Massa due to bad weather. The vessel’s stern collided with the iconic Pontile di Marina di Massa pier, but the crew is reported to be safe. Guang Rong, a 10,000 dwt hopper dredger flagged in Cyprus and owned in Italy, has a history of deficiencies and detentions, with its last inspection in September 2024 resulting in 24 identified issues.

Both incidents have drawn attention on social media, with images and updates shared on Twitter. The Italian Coast Guard’s swift response and successful rescue operations have been commended, despite the challenging conditions caused by Storm Herminia. The incidents highlight the importance of maritime safety and the need for vessels to adhere to regulations to prevent accidents and protect both crew members and the environment.

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