Fears are growing after 250 people spent the night adrift on the ferry, with reports they are “afraid” after spending the night for many hours without electricity and water. The Grimaldi ‘Egnazia’ ferry, which left in the early hours of Tuesday morning from the port of Salerno and headed for Catania, had a problem with the ramp. Passengers on board reported living “an odyssey”, “being afraid” and “not having assistance, information from the crew, or from the commander”.
A passenger said: “The ship is not working. Only emergency lights work, we can’t use the bathrooms.
“We have contacted the harbour master’s office – some say – but we have not had any feedback.”
Another said: “We have no water and no electricity.”
The ‘Egnazià should have left yesterday at 10pm, but set sail at 1am due to problems.
Officials said the problem with the ramp has now been solved and the ferry will arrive at the port of Catania in 2pm this afternoon.
The Salerno Catania ferry route connects Italy with Sicily.
Additional reporting by Maria Ortega