MSC Lirica conducted a large‑scale emergency drill while docked in Ancona, putting its crew, systems and coordination with local authorities through a rigorous test.
With oversight from the Port Authority and Coast Guard, the ship’s command and crew simulated a serious fire in the main galley, escalating to a general alarm and eventual vessel abandonment. Over 400 crew members from multiple departments and representing various nationalities acted as “victims” and responders across the scenario.
Scenario Setup & Execution
At 15:00 hours, the fire alarm was raised on board, triggering the initial response sequence. The fictitious blaze, declared to have originated in the galley, was treated as uncontrollable under normal measures. The Master of the vessel, Captain Marco Franza, along with his technical team, declared a general emergency and began preparations for abandonment.
Three lifeboats each accommodating 150 people were lowered in real maritime evacuation mode. Crew personnel boarded, pulled away from the ship’s side, and maneuvered in port waters under the escort of a large Coast Guard SAR vessel. The design of the exercise mirrored what would occur if the ship were anchored in internal waters under Ancona’s jurisdiction, rather than moored in port.
During the drill, the Port Authority–Coast Guard took responsibility for monitoring and validating the crew’s performance, in line with its international mandate to ensure ships calling at Italian ports adhere to safety standards.
Oversight & Commendations
On the bridge, the operation was observed by Admiral Inspector Vincenzo Vitale, Port Commander and Maritime Director of the Marche Region, together with his staff specializing in navigation safety. In their remarks, they highlighted how modern cruise ships are engineered to contain severe fires within a “vertical zone” — limiting spread laterally — thanks to passive and active fire protection systems, controlled and coordinated by trained personnel.
However, they emphasized that this exercise in Ancona went beyond typical drills. They had intentionally designed a more complex, port‑based scenario to test extreme conditions and interagency coordination. Admiral Vitale praised Captain Franza’s leadership, stating he “managed it perfectly, adhering to the strictest international maritime distress procedures,” and extended thanks to all crew and institutional partners involved.
Crew’s Perspective & Safety First
Captain Franza shared his satisfaction at the successful outcome:
“Safety on board is our top priority. I’m very proud of our team, whose professionalism and skill during the drill were excellent.” He noted that while regular simulations are part of routine training, collaborating with experienced external agencies like the Port Authority adds immense value. “Only by practicing together can we strengthen relationships and communication among all stakeholders, ensuring the fastest, most coordinated response in real emergencies,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to Admiral Vitale, the Ancona Port Authority, and the press for their support and collaboration in the operation.
