Ro-Ro Ulysse Separated from CSL Virginia After Collision in Mediterranean

The bow of the Tunisian Ro-Ro ferry Ulysse penetrates the hull of the CSL Virginia. Photo: Prémar Méditerranée

The Tunisian roll-on/roll-off ferry Ulysse has separated from the containership CSL Virginia after the two collided Sunday in the Mediterranean Sea off Corsica.

French officials said Thursday the ships separated at about 9:30 p.m. due to the combination of wave action and previous attempts to release the vessels.

Both the Ulysse and CSL Virginia remain in the same area as responders wait until Friday day to further assess the situation.

#CollisionEnCorse Breaking news : Sous effet combiné mouvements houle et précédentes tentatives désincarcération, Ulysse a bougé puis s’est libéré du Virginia vers 21h30. Ulysse reste sur place. Tous moyens sur zone mobilisés pour sécuriser navires et préserver environnement. pic.twitter.com/dRQY8xKdH9

— Prémar Méditerranée (@Premarmed) October 11, 2018

The Ulysse was underway from Genoa, Italy to Tunisia early Sunday morning when it collided with the CSL Virginia, which was at anchor approximately 17 miles of the island of Corsica. As a result, the vessels became stuck together with the bow of the Ulysse penetrating deep into the hull of the containership.

A major oil spill response has been underway involving French and Italian authorities. Officials on Thursday said boom remains in place around the CSL Virginia.

No injuries have been reported thus far.

Our full coverage of the incident can be found here. 

Updated: April 18, 2022 (Originally published October 11, 2018)

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