New ship MSC Grandiosa crashes into pier
Cruise liner MSC Grandiosa has suffered damage after crashing into a pier on approach to Sicily.
The ship, which was launched a month ago, hit a wall at the docks at Palermo on Monday morning.
Photographs taken by passengers show part of the wall had broken away on impact and visible damages to the hull of the ship.
MSC issued a statement yesterday, saying: "Earlier this morning, around 09:30am CET, MSC Grandiosa experienced a light allision 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 part.
"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."
Pictures: MSC Cruises Fan Club Unofficial/Facebook
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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