Thirty-five years after the Moby Prince disaster, the deadliest accident in Italian civil maritime history, President Sergio Mattarella has renewed calls for truth and accountability over a tragedy that claimed 140 lives and still raises unanswered questions. In a solemn anniversary statement, Mattarella described the events of 10 April 1991 as a catastrophe that “could and should have been avoided,” pointing directly to delays and disorganisation in the rescue operations that followed the collision. His remarks underscore the enduring sense that justice remains incomplete. The President expressed the Republic’s solidarity with the victims’ families and with the city of Livorno, which continues to carry the scars of that night.
He also acknowledged decades of efforts by investigators, journalists, and campaigners who have helped shed light on previously obscure aspects of the case, while stressing that key questions still lack definitive answers. The disaster unfolded late in the evening as the ferry Moby Prince, bound for Olbia, collided with the oil tanker Agip Abruzzo shortly after departing Livorno’s port. The impact ruptured the tanker, spilling crude oil that ignited almost instantly, engulfing the ferry in flames and toxic smoke. Of the 141 people on board, only one survived: cabin boy Alessio Bertrand, rescued hours later from the sea. For years, the official explanation cited dense fog and human errorastheprimarycauses. However, more recent parliamentary inquiries have challenged that narrative, highlighting serious failures in the emergency response.
Rescue efforts focused largely on the tanker, while the ferry where passengers were still alive for hours—was effectively neglected. Investigations have also suggested the possible presence of other vessels in the area, potentially linked to illicit international activities, which may have contributed to the collision by obstructing navigation. Families of the victims continue to press for full disclosure. Representatives Nicola Rosetti and Luchino Chessa have renewed appeals for anyone with knowledge of that night to come forward, urging them to “find the courage to tell the truth.” The two main victims’ associations have also announced plans to merge, strengthening their joint pursuit of justice.
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