Crew evacuated, salvage preparations underway for storm-hit Fugro survey vessel

March 24, 2025
Fugro’s geophysical survey vessel Fugro Mercator ran aground on the north coast of Elba, western Italy, during stormy weather.

Fugro’s geophysical survey vessel Fugro Mercator ran aground March 22 on the north coast of Elba, western Italy, during stormy weather.

The Italian coastguard is said to have reached the site quickly following notification and is monitoring. The crew of 11 were evacuated and taken ashore. Preparations are underway with local officials and international specialists for a salvage operation.

The 42-m-long vessel was conducting survey work offshore the island before the crew sought shelter due to deteriorating conditions. Fugro will conduct a review of the incident.