Video: Survey vessel that grounded off Italian island towed for inspection

Fugro said that its Fugro Mercator has been successfully towed to a shipyard for inspection.

The geophysical survey vessel ran aground on the north coast of Elba, Italy, on 22 March after reportedly seeking shelter in stormy weather. Fugro said it will investigate the incident.

"With no injuries to people and no harm to the environment, Fugro is thankful that the impact of the incident has remained limited. The vessel will now be fully inspected at the shipyard. Fugro will also conduct a full review of the event to learn what caused the ship to run aground," the company said.

Fugro attributed the vessel’s salvage to the Italian coastguard. 

"We are very grateful to the Italian coastguard and our partners for their swift and effective response in evacuating our crew and salvaging the Fugro Mercator," said Fugro regional group director Erik-Jan Bijvank. "The safety of our crew and the protection of the environment are our top priorities, and we are relieved that both were upheld during this challenging event."

Fugro said the vessel was performing survey work for the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) as part of the Italian government’s Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER) Project at the time of the incident.

"Fugro is working with the client to ensure that the work is continued as quickly as possible. Fugro Helmert will sail to the Mediterranean shortly to pick up the Mercator’s project commitments, minimising the overall impact of the incident," the company said.

24 March

All crew have been evacuated from a Fugro geophysical survey vessel after it ran aground off Elba, Italy, while seeking shelter during severe weather.

Fugro reported its geophysical survey vessel Fugro Mercator ran aground on 22 March off the north coast of Elba, Italy.

“It is not yet clear what led to Fugro Mercator running aground. The 42-m research vessel was performing survey work off the coast of Elba, when it went looking for shelter due to deteriorating weather conditions. In accordance with our standard procedures, Fugro will conduct a full review of the event,” the company said, noting that a salvage operation plan is under preparation.

La nave oceanografica FUGRO MERCATOR si è incagliata nella notte all’isola d’Elba. Equipaggio e personale scientifico (11 persone) sono stati tratti in salvo dalla #GuardiaCostiera di #Portoferraio. ✅ Nessun inquinamento in mare.⚓ Recupero in fase di pianificazione. pic.twitter.com/c4xCMYfnyG

— Guardia Costiera (@guardiacostiera)

La nave oceanografica FUGRO MERCATOR si è incagliata nella notte all'isola d'Elba. Equipaggio e personale scientifico (11 persone) sono stati tratti in salvo dalla #GuardiaCostiera di #Portoferraio. ✅ Nessun inquinamento in mare.⚓ Recupero in fase di pianificazione. pic.twitter.com/c4xCMYfnyG

— Guardia Costiera (@guardiacostiera) March 23, 2025

The Italian coast guard ensured support and monitoring of the situation, and that the vessel’s 11 crew were evacuated and taken ashore safely. 

"The oceanographic vessel Fugro Mercator, flying the flag of the Bahamas, ran aground during the night on the reef of the Enfola promontory, on the island of Elba. The crew and scientific personnel, 11 people in total, were rescued by the patrol boat CP 805 of the Portoferraio Coast Guard. No pollution was recorded at sea," Italy’s Guardia Costiera said in a social media post.

The Italian coast guard also said investigations are underway into the causes of the accident and confirmed that planning for the recovery of the vessel has begun.

Flying the Bahamas flag, the 67-dwt, aluminium-hulled Fugro Mercator measures 42 m long by 10 m wide. Built by Damen in 2003, Fugro uses the vessel to carry out bathymetric, geophysical, cable and pipeline route surveys.