An investigation is being launched into an incident where a MSC Cruises passenger was killed and a man injured when the ship’s gangway collapsed. Reports say that 60-year-old Fausto del Charro and 62-year-old Maria Mercedes Bonastre were boarding the MSC Splendida when the metal walkway that attaches to the ship collapsed and plunged into over 30 feet of water.
Bonastre hit her head on the quay and was instantly killed. However, crew that had jumped into the water were able to rescue del Charro. Del Charro was taken to the hospital with several bruises.
Many of the ship’s passengers saw the incident. One of these was de Charro’s wife, who says that her husband disappeared in front of her, rushing into a vacuum. The pair was boarding the ship for a week-long dream vacation with friends.
In a statement, MSC Cruises said that the gangway had been seized by Italian authorities, and it appears that a sudden release was the source of the accident. The dynamics of the tragic event are to be clarified with technical assessments and an official investigation, they continued. Director Pier Francesco Vago pointed the blame at Genoa port authorities, saying that it happened after the station’s walkway gave way. However, Port of Genoa director Edoardo Monzani says that the strong wind at the time may have been the cause.
The cruise continued later, without futher incident.
Our thoughts are with the family of Maria Mercedes Bonastre.
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