The complex recovery operations for the fishing vessel Saturno, which nearly sank in the waters of the sea, are continuing unabated as it returns to the port of Porto Torres, near the Darsena Pescherecci dock. The operation has been underway for approximately 40 hours, since the vessel struck a rock around 1:00 AM on the night between Thursday and Friday while maneuvering to enter the port. This incident caused a serious leak in the bow, taking in water that compromised its buoyancy, and it risked sinking.
The operations carried out by the firefighters of the Sassari and Cagliari fire departments are coordinated by the Porto Torres Port Authority, which is investigating the incident on the orders of the Sassari Public Prosecutor's Office. There were three crew members aboard the Saturno at the time of the accident, including the captain, who, likely due to a brief drowsiness, failed to sense the danger at sea.
This morning, work resumed on emptying the hull and keeping the partially sunken vessel afloat. This operation was conducted in collaboration with teams from the command's naval group and the firefighters from the Porto Torres detachment, who yesterday deployed lifting balloons to limit the fishing vessel's listing and the entry of further water.
A Cermelli crane arrived in port to recover the trawler from the dock and transfer it to a shipyard for repairs. The damage to the shipowner, Rum, is extensive. The vessel, among those in good condition, was part of a fleet of several fishing vessels. The recovery operations were coordinated by the Porto Torres Harbour Office, through the monitoring and management of a strategic action plan, until the vessel and dock were completely secured, in compliance with regulations regarding navigation safety and environmental protection. The Sassari Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation to determine the causes and possible responsibilities for the accident.
