Passenger Dies After Fall From Costa Smeralda

A German passenger has died after falling from the cruise ship Costa Smeralda onto the pier at the port of Civitavecchia, Italian media have reported.

The incident occurred in the early afternoon of February 6 while the vessel was docked. Emergency responders and firefighters were already present at the port handling a separate medical situation when the event unfolded. A middle-aged man reportedly fell from the side of the ship onto the quay.

Initial findings indicate that the fall may have been intentional. Authorities later confirmed that no additional inspections on board were required, and the ship was subsequently permitted to depart.

Firefighters said the alert was raised at approximately 2:00 p.m. At the time, emergency teams from Civitavecchia were dealing with multiple weather-related incidents and assisting with the landing of a rescue helicopter at Dock 12.

The helicopter had arrived to evacuate another passenger who had become ill on board. Shortly after it landed, responders heard a loud noise and discovered that a man had fallen from the ship onto the dock.

Rescue personnel, along with the ship’s medical team, immediately began resuscitation efforts in an attempt to revive him. Despite their intervention, the man’s condition was described as critical from the beginning. An emergency physician who arrived at the scene shortly afterward was only able to confirm the death.

Costa Cruises later issued a statement confirming the incident and extending its condolences to the family.

“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the death of a German guest today at the port of Civitavecchia,” the company said. “According to an initial reconstruction, the guest voluntarily jumped onto the quayside while the ship was in port for normal operations.

“The crew intervened immediately and activated all emergency procedures. The relevant authorities were promptly informed and are conducting the necessary investigations. The captain and the company are fully cooperating and offering all possible support to the guest’s family. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to them at this difficult time.”

Later that evening, at around 8:30 p.m., Costa Cruises announced that authorities had completed their onboard checks and cleared the ship to continue its scheduled voyage.