Fire on GNV Phoenix Ship in Naples Port Sparks Safety Warnings

A fire broke out this evening aboard the GNV Phoenix, a large ferry currently docked for maintenance work in the port of Naples. The vessel issued a “mayday” radio call shortly before 19:00, requesting urgent assistance from the Port Authority and emergency services.

Emergency Response and Evacuations

While the exact location of the blaze was not immediately specified by the ship, witness reports suggest the fire may have started in the engine room or the lower decks. Initial firefighting efforts were led by tugboats using the vessel’s on-board fire pumps.

Support arrived shortly after from a Coast Guard patrol boat and land-based firefighters. According to the ship’s command, all crew members and external contractors were evacuated in time, and no injuries have been reported.

Did You Know? The GNV Phoenix is a ro-ro ferry originally built in 2002 for the Tirrenia fleet, measuring 214 metres in length and 26 metres in width, with a gross tonnage of 35,736 tons.

Public Health and Environmental Precautions

The fire generated a significant column of smoke and a strong, acrid odor that spread across a wide area. In response, the municipality issued a precautionary warning to residents near the Molo del Carmine and other wind-exposed zones.

Port Authority

Authorities advised citizens to keep doors, windows, and air conditioners closed and to avoid staying outdoors to prevent the inhalation of respiratory irritants. A sampler has been deployed to measure air quality, specifically testing for the presence of dioxins and furans.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that fires occurring during maintenance periods present unique risks, as ships may have modified systems or personnel on board who are not part of the regular crew. The decision to monitor for dioxins and furans highlights the potential chemical complexity of smoke originating from industrial vessel components.

Maritime Traffic Disruptions

To ensure safety and facilitate rescue operations, the Port Authority ordered the temporary closure of maritime traffic between Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa.

Incoming vessels were either diverted or placed on standby in the roadstead. This measure remained in place to clear the area for emergency responders and to mitigate risks to other ships in the vicinity.

Potential Next Steps

Following the containment of the fire, authorities may conduct a full investigation to determine the precise cause of the ignition. The results of the air quality sampling could influence whether the municipality lifts the current health advisories for local residents.

Huge fire breaks out in north Phoenix, burning three buildings l FOX 10 Phoenix

the vessel’s maintenance schedule is likely to be delayed, and the Port Authority may review safety protocols for ships undergoing repairs in the harbor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly did the fire start on the GNV Phoenix?

The exact area was not precisely indicated by the ship, but witness accounts suggest the fire developed in the engine room or the lower decks.

Were there any casualties during the incident?

No consequences for the crew or external contractors have been reported, as the workers were evacuated in time.

What precautions were residents asked to take?

Residents near Molo del Carmine and wind-exposed areas were advised to keep doors, windows, and air conditioners closed and avoid spending time outdoors.

How should urban ports balance industrial maintenance needs with the health and safety of neighboring residential communities?