Thirteen passengers aged between 18 and 20 have been charged following a violent fight aboard Costa Cruises’ Costa Smeralda during an overnight sailing to Palermo.
The confrontation involved two groups of young passengers and reportedly began close to the ship’s nightclub before spreading through corridors and into an elevator area. Italian media reported that tables, chairs and other objects were used during the disturbance.
One passenger was taken to hospital for medical examinations after the incident, although serious injuries were reportedly ruled out.
Fight Spreads Through Cruise Ship
The altercation took place while Costa Smeralda was sailing between Naples and Palermo. According to Italian reports, one group involved was from the Lecce area in southern Italy and had joined the cruise in Civitavecchia, while the other was from Sicily and had embarked in Palermo.
The dispute is reported to have started after a comment was directed towards a young woman near the ship’s nightclub. What began as a verbal argument subsequently escalated into a physical confrontation.
The disturbance did not remain confined to the area where it began. Those involved moved through the ship’s corridors before the confrontation continued near the elevators.
During the incident, one young passenger was reportedly attacked while lying unconscious on the floor. Crew members intervened to bring the situation under control and authorities were notified.
Video footage of the disturbance subsequently circulated online, showing parts of the confrontation aboard the ship.
Police Review Surveillance Footage
Officers from the Maritime Border Police began investigating after Costa Smeralda arrived in Palermo.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from aboard the ship to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish the identities of those believed to have been involved.
Thirteen passengers, all aged between 18 and 20, were subsequently reported to the authorities in connection with aggravated brawling. Italian reports published on 15th September 2026 confirmed the investigation and the action taken against the young passengers.
The passenger who required medical attention was transported to hospital for checks following the confrontation. Medical examinations reportedly found no serious injuries.
Costa Smeralda is one of the largest ships in the Costa Cruises fleet. The Italian-flagged vessel measures approximately 337 metres in length and operates Mediterranean cruises that include regular calls at Italian ports.
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