A Dutch-flagged cargo ship, currently used by the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) for institutional and research activities, remained blocked off the coast of Cala Sperone , in the territory of Sant'Antioco.
It happened in the past few hours. While underway, the vessel accidentally struck some underwater cables used to support fishing structures. The ropes became tangled around the ship's propellers, seizing its engines and effectively leaving it adrift. Despite the serious damage, the crew managed to steer the vessel using the currents, independently and safely reaching the more sheltered waters of the Gulf of Palmas , where they awaited rescue.
Upon receiving the call for help, the emergency response was activated. The crew of the CC709 patrol boat from Sant'Antioco arrived on the scene, supported by the intervention of the Carabinieri diving unit from Cagliari. The divers from the Carabinieri diving unit dove under the vessel's hull and were able to remove the cables blocking the propulsion system. This intervention freed the propellers and restored the vessel's full operational capability, allowing it to resume navigation.
(Unioneonline/AD)