A moored pilot boat sank after sustaining heavy damage after it was struck by a cargo vessel at the Port of Gioia Tauro at the southern tip of mainland Italy on Saturday, January 18.
The incident occurred at 11:50 local time when the 300-metre containership MSC Adelaide came into contact with the unnamed smaller vessel while approaching the port. The pilot boat ended up getting crushed between the quay and MSC Adelaide's bow and eventually sank.
The crews of some nearby tugs that arrived to render assistance were able to prevent the oil in the pilot boat's fuel tanks from spilling into the water.
The wreck has since been recovered from the water and placed on the quayside at the port.
Local authorities confirm that no one was on board the pilot boat when it sank.