Tragic accident at sea off Santa Maria Navarrese : a fishing vessel from the Arbatax navy – the “Luigino” – sank in a 200-meter stretch of water, causing dramatic damage.

Two people died: Antonio Morlè, the vessel's captain, and Enrico Piras, both from Tortolì. Their bodies have not yet been recovered: that of Morlè, the captain, is believed to have sunk with the fishing vessel, while that of sailor Piras is adrift and a search is ongoing.

Antonio Lovicario, another sailor, managed to save himself and was transported to the port of Arbatax aboard the fishing vessel Zeus, owned by Maurizio Morlè, Antonio's brother. His condition is reassuring. The fishing vessel Zeus docked at the western quay at 2:30 PM, where dozens of people were waiting for him.

L'arrivo in banchina del peschereccio Zeus, che ha portato in salvo il marinaio superstite (Roberto Secci)

The patrol boat CP811 of the Arbatax Maritime District Office is on site. A helicopter from the Coast Guard's 4th Flight Section , which took off from Decimomannu, is also in the air. The rescue operations are being coordinated by the Cagliari Operations Department , led by Commander Mattia Caniglia.

The intervention of the Coast Guard was made particularly difficult due to the weather and sea conditions.

Condolences from the Region

"The fishing boat tragedy that occurred late this morning has profoundly affected the whole of Sardinia," said Agriculture Councilor Francesco Agus, speaking on behalf of the Region. "As the competent councilor, I extend my condolences to the families of the missing and my sympathy to the fisherman who managed to survive. I extend my thanks to the Coast Guard personnel," the councilor concluded, "and to all those who provided assistance in extremely difficult weather and sea conditions."

The unions

The Flai CGIL of Sardinia expresses its condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims: "Once again," said secretary Valentina Marci, "the sea is taking the lives of workers who perform a tough job, exposed daily to enormous risks, often exacerbated by difficult weather and sea conditions, unsustainable operating costs, and increasingly reduced profit margins." Fishing remains one of the sectors with the highest risk index in Italy: "We cannot limit ourselves to condolences: immediate structural intervention is needed regarding safety, training, and fleet modernization."

Flai calls for the urgent establishment of a regional and national forum on fishing safety, increased investment in vessel and safety equipment renewal, effective controls coupled with financial support for healthy businesses, and concrete protections for workers and their families, including adequate safety nets during periods of inactivity and emergency situations.

"It's unacceptable that in 2026 people continue to die from work at sea. Fishing is the economic, social, and cultural foundation of our coasts, particularly in areas like Ogliastra, where it represents the identity and livelihood of entire communities."

- UPDATE IN PROGRESS –

(Unioneonline)

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