Two fishing boats collide on the Amalfi Coast, forcing passengers into the sea.

There were moments of fear this afternoon in the waters of the Amalfi Coast, where two gozzo boats collided near Capo di Conca dei Marini. The two vessels involved were of the same category: the "Alekso," a Sorrento-style wooden gozzo boat approximately 12 meters long, and the "You Know," used for private transportation.

The impact caused a serious breach in the “Alekso”, which quickly began to take on water until it lost stability and sank.

Passengers and crew at sea

The “Alekso” belongs to the Battellieri Costa d'Amalfi group and was engaged in coastal tourist connections, departing from the port of Amalfi and heading to coves and towns on the coast that are difficult to reach by land.
Immediately after the collision, the situation appeared particularly delicate. The passengers and crew of the vessel left the gozzo and jumped into the sea.

The first aiders were the crew of the “You Know” and the occupants of other vessels in the area who intervened after witnessing the accident.

Everyone was rescued. No injuries were reported, but moments of great apprehension prevailed until the last passenger and crew member were safely rescued.

The dynamics still to be reconstructed

The Amalfi Coast Guard is currently investigating the collision, called upon to precisely reconstruct the dynamics of the accident and verify any responsibilities.

At this time, it is not possible to definitively determine the cause of the collision. Among the aspects that will need to be verified are possible incorrect maneuvering, the respect of right-of-way, and the speed of the two vessels in relation to the navigation conditions and the presence of other vessels.

The testimonies of the passengers and the two crews, along with any other evidence gathered by investigators, will allow them to reconstruct the sequence of moments preceding the impact.

Goiter recovery

The "Alekso" sank after taking on a significant amount of water. The vessel was subsequently recovered and towed to the port of Amalfi, also to prevent potential damage to the marine environment.

The gozzo will remain at the disposal of the Coast Guard for technical inspections. The officers will also interview members of the two crews and gather information useful for reconstructing the incident in detail.

Safety first: recommendations for boaters

The accident brings renewed attention to navigation safety, especially in a stretch of sea like the Amalfi Coast, which is characterized by heavy traffic of tourist and pleasure boats during the summer.

The Coast Guard recommends all boaters to always maintain a speed commensurate with sea conditions, visibility, traffic, and the characteristics of the area, avoiding sudden maneuvers or behaviors that could put other vessels at risk.

Particular attention must be paid to respecting right-of-way and safety distances, maintaining adequate visual alertness and, when necessary, correctly using onboard instruments. Before departing, it is also essential to check the weather and sea conditions, ensure that the vessel is in good working order, and that all required safety equipment is present and easily accessible.

In case of emergency, the recommendation is to provide assistance to people in distress, when conditions permit, and to promptly alert the Coast Guard through emergency channels. At sea, especially during crowded periods, caution, attention, and respect for navigational regulations can make all the difference.