The Dutch Geo-Data specialist Fugro has announced that on the 22nd of March the company received a report that their geophysical survey vessel Fugro Mercator had run aground on the north coast of Elba in Italy.
The company states that authorities were immediately notified, and the Italian coastguard arrived on site swiftly to provide support and monitor the situation.
All crew, 11 people in total, were evacuated and taken ashore safely, and a salvage operation is being prepared together with international experts and local officials.
It is mentioned by Fugro that it is not yet clear what led to the Fugro Mercator running aground.
The 42-metre research vessel was performing survey work off the coast of Elba, when it went looking for shelter due to deteriorating weather conditions, and in accordance with the company standard procedures, it will conduct a full review of the event it states.
Video credit: Guardia Costiera.
