Livorno prosecutors seek closure of Moby Prince disaster probe after 35 years

Prosecutors in Livorno have asked to close the investigation into the 1991 Moby Prince ferry disaster, in which 140 passengers and crew members died. Prosecutor Maurizio Agnello announced the request in a statement, saying no new evidence on the causes of the disaster has emerged.

The disaster occurred on April 10, 1991, in the roadstead of Livorno port when the ferry collided with the state-owned tanker Agip Abruzzo shortly after departing for Olbia. It remains Italy’s worst peacetime civilian maritime disaster and the republic’s deadliest workplace accident.

“There is no alternative reconstruction of the disaster.”

The current probe was opened in 2018 following the final report of a second Senate inquiry commission presented on December 11, 2017. Florence’s anti-mafia directorate had also opened a separate investigation into possible mafia or terrorist motives, which was archived on February 27, 2025.

Investigators re-examined all findings from 35 years of proceedings, questioned numerous witnesses, obtained documents from public bodies and private companies, and commissioned technical-scientific expertise. Telephone interceptions were also carried out.

Agnello said every investigative hypothesis that could qualify as a cause or contributing factor had been carefully reviewed, including weather conditions, the tanker’s position, and onboard safety devices. He added that some key questions remain uncertain, such as whether there was fog or whether the tanker was anchored in a prohibited area.

The request was signed by Agnello and deputy prosecutor Sabrina Carmazzi. It must now be notified to the injured parties before a judge decides on closure.