Cruise Ship Hits Dock In Venice Italy
On Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 a 13-deck cruise ship, MSC Opera, hit a dock and a tourist boat in Venice, Italy. The incident occurred around 8:30 am local time along the Giudecca canal, one of the busiest waterways in the city. The moment was caught on video by onlookers who captured the ship sounding its horn as it approached the dock.
What Happened?
According to reports, the incident occurred due to a mechanical failure that caused the ship to lose control. Witnesses reported seeing the ship coming in too fast and unable to stop. The ship then collided with the dock and a tourist boat, causing it to sink. Four people on the tourist boat were injured in the incident.
The MSC Opera is a 2,679-passenger ship that was built in 2004. It was on a seven-day cruise from Venice to Greece and Montenegro when the incident occurred. The ship was able to continue its journey, but its itinerary was adjusted to exclude Venice from its ports of call.
Reaction and Aftermath
The incident sparked outrage from Venetians who have long been concerned about the impact of large cruise ships in the city's narrow canals. Many have called for a ban on the ships, citing the damage they cause to the fragile ecosystem and historic buildings.
Italian officials have also responded to the incident with calls for action. Italy's Transport Minister, Danilo Toninelli, said in a statement that the government would "move forward to protect our citizens and our cultural heritage." The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, tweeted that the incident was "unacceptable" and called for cruise ships to be banned from the city's historic center.
The incident has also led to increased scrutiny of the cruise ship industry and its impact on the environment. Some have called for stricter regulations on the industry to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
The incident in Venice serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by large cruise ships in narrow waterways. While the incident was caused by a mechanical failure, it has reignited concerns about the impact of the ships on the environment and historic buildings. As the cruise ship industry continues to grow, it will be important for regulators and industry leaders to take steps to ensure the safety of passengers and the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage sites.