Grado, Province of Gorizia, Italy - June 12, 2024

A potential disaster was narrowly averted this morning off the coast of Grado, in the province of Gorizia, where a tourist motorboat - the 'Audace' - came close to sinking. The Harbor Master's Office assures that all 76 passengers and the 4 crew members have been safely rescued. "No injuries have been reported, only a great deal of fright," the Coast Guard of Trieste stated in a press release. The passengers were transferred to port, a process completed by 3:30 PM, first by rafts and then by means provided by the Coast Guard. Rescuers confirmed that no tourists remained on board.

The vessel received assistance six nautical miles from the coast (approximately 9 kilometers) from the Coast Guard, deploying forces stationed between Trieste and Lignano Sabbiadoro, and from the Finance Guard. Helicopters and divers from the Fire Department were also called in. The 'Sores' was present, with the Mobile Operational Center and director Giulio Trillo assuming the role of director of medical rescue, along with six ambulances. An emergency helicopter landed at the Grado sports field.

According to a tweet from the Fire Department, the operation began around 11:50 AM, about thirty minutes after the SOS was issued by the captain of 'Audace.'

This morning the sea was rough, but the vessel remained afloat. Operations are underway to tow it to port using tugboats. The causes of the damage are not yet clear, but a breach caused by a large branch is suspected. It is reported that the ship took on water from the bow.