The MSC Grandiosa, just five weeks after going into service, has crashed into a pier at Palermo, Sicily, sustaining some damage to its hull.
The 6,000 passenger vessel, which is said to be the world’s second largest and cost some $1 billion to build, ran into trouble while docking.
No injuries have been reported, and she completed the manoeuvre under her own power.
According to some reports, the cruise ship’s port side stern sustained damaged in the crash above the waterline.
Video footage shows the corner of the pier’s wall crumbed during the impact. A witness can be heard saying “Oh No!” as the collision takes place.
The crash reportedly occurred amid strong winds.
A statement reported in Britain’s Sun newspaper said: “MSC Grandiosa experienced a light collision in the port of Palermo. Due to reasons we are still investigating, the ship deviated while manoeuvring along the quayside and lightly grazed the end of the quay with its aft.
“While this may have been noticed by some passengers or bystanders, there was never any risk for guests or crew on board, and there was no impact for the environment.”
“As a result of this graze, we conducted some minor repair works — which have already been completed by the early afternoon. While the ship is ready to sail, we may leave Palermo with a slight delay. The itinerary remains unchanged.
“MSC Cruises emphasizes that MSC Grandiosa is fully reliable and safe to sail. Our guests’ and crew members’ safety will always be our number one priority.”
MSC Grandiosa is the second largest ship in the world in terms of capacity, with room for 6,761 passengers.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/10641368/msc-grandiosa-crashes-into-pier-italy/
