G7 Summit Cruise Ship Seized Over Dirty Living Conditions

Authorities in Bari, Italy, impounded a ship leased for the G7 Summit police officers. After a brief stay in the vessel, police unions claimed it was alarmingly unhygienic, citing several serious issues that led to its seizure on June 12.

Goddess of the Night was supposed to host 2,570 police officers who provided services to the June 13 to 15 G7 Summit. While docked at Brindisi, Italy, they ensured the venue’s security in Borgo Egnazia, a luxury resort 37.28 miles away.

After officers spent time on the 20-year-old ship, the COISP police union deemed it unlivable and released a statement announcing it had been seized. According to the report, basic amenities were in disrepair.

Its complaints included toilets and cabins that could not be used, dilapidated showers, leaks, broken air conditioners, dirty and damaged accommodations, and flooded cabins. Another union said that the ship was overcrowded. 

A local publication, La Repubblica, described how officers slept as water dripped from the ceilings, the long queues for cold meals, and how they endured temperatures of over 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Due to the inhospitable conditions, the Italian government moved the officers to other hotels and GNV Azzurra, a dilapidated ferry.

Owner Under Investigation

According to Italian media reports, the government paid approximately $6.46 million to rent the vessel for the summit. Authorities are now investigating the owner for “non-fulfillment and fraud in public supply contracts.”

Built-in 2004, Goddess of the Night used to be Costa Magica under Carnival-owned Costa Cruises. Last year, Costa Magica became Mykonos Magic when the ship was sold to Seajets, a Greek ferry operator. It received its current name, Goddess of the Night, when Seajets decided that it would sail with its affiliate Neonyx Cruises.

Seajets and Neonyx have not released statements regarding the allegations against them. According to local reports, the charter was for an estimated $6.5 million.

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