Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Experiences Troubling Dock Incident in Italy

Catania, Italy – A vacation aboard the Norwegian Epic turned chaotic on May 30, 2025, when strong winds caused the cruise ship to separate from its dock in Catania, Sicily. One passenger fell into the water while disembarking, prompting immediate rescue efforts by the onboard crew.

According to a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the incident occurred on Friday when the ship was docked. “Due to strong winds, one of our ships separated from the pier while docked in Catania,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Unfortunately, one guest who was in the process of disembarking fell from the gangway into the water.” Crew members quickly assisted the individual, who was later evaluated by medical personnel.

The passenger sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for further treatment. Witnesses described the situation as alarming, with one sharing, “All of a sudden, we heard this loud bang. One by one, the concrete nubs in the ground that hold the ropes were pulling out of the ground and went flying into the ship.”

Following the incident, NCL paused the disembarkation and embarkation process until weather conditions improved. The spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to passenger safety, stating, “During this interruption, our crew were actively attending to our guests until they were able to re-embark the ship. As always, the safety of our guests and crew is our top priority.”

Passengers aboard the Norwegian Epic were involved in a 10-day itinerary that includes stops in Rome, Naples, Florence, and Cannes. The ship, which was newly refurbished in 2025, has a double occupancy capacity of 4,070, measures 1,081 feet in length, and is staffed by 1,724 crew members.