Silver Ray Fined for Close Pass Near Capri’s Faraglioni

The luxury cruise ship Silver Ray has drawn criticism from Italian maritime officials and environmental advocates after sailing too close to the famed Faraglioni rock formations off the coast of Capri. The ship was reported to have passed within 500 meters of the iconic coastal landmark, a breach of established navigation rules.

The event occurred on May 3, 2025, and was later confirmed by the Italian Coast Guard. Commander Francesco Potenzieri led the investigation, analyzing the ship’s movements via AIS (Automatic Identification System) data and the Pelagus monitoring platform. Authorities determined that Silver Ray violated local regulations requiring vessels to maintain a minimum 500-meter distance from the coastline.

As a result, the ship’s captain was issued a formal warning, and a fine of €1,032 was imposed by the Campania Maritime Authority, according to GreenMe. Though modest in monetary terms, officials emphasized that the penalty reinforces the importance of adhering to maritime safety and environmental protection laws along the Campanian coast.

The incident also prompted swift action from environmental groups. Legambiente’s Capri branch, led by Nabil Pulita, was the first to report the violation. Members documented the ship’s approach with photos and video, which were then turned over to the Coast Guard. In light of the event, the organization is now renewing its push for the creation of a Marine Protected Area surrounding the island of Capri.