Six male passengers aboard MSC Divina are facing criminal charges after allegedly hacking into the ship’s communications system and broadcasting fake emergency announcements during an Eastern Mediterranean cruise.
Italian authorities boarded the vessel in Naples on 30th July 2026, following the early morning incident that caused alarm amongst passengers and crew.
Unauthorised Access to Restricted Ship Systems
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 30th July 2026, whilst MSC Divina was sailing towards Naples from Marmaris, Turkey.
According to reports from Napoli Today, the six passengers – all young adults of Neapolitan origin – managed to bypass security protocols to gain access to the ship’s restricted intercom and public address system.
The ship’s communications infrastructure is protected by security codes specifically designed to prevent unauthorised access.
These systems are critical for ship operations and passenger safety, allowing the bridge and crew to communicate vital information throughout the vessel during both routine operations and emergency situations.
False Announcements Broadcast Across Multiple Decks
The unauthorised broadcasts were transmitted to public areas across two decks of the 3,502-passenger cruise ship.
Whilst the exact wording of the fake announcements has not been publicly disclosed, reports suggest the messages falsely indicated that the captain had lost control of MSC Divina and that the vessel was adrift at sea.
Such announcements would understandably cause significant concern amongst passengers, particularly given that legitimate emergency communications use the same system.
The incident highlights the potential for serious panic and confusion when ship safety systems are compromised.
Swift Response from Passengers and Authorities
Alert passengers who heard the alarming announcements reported the incident to crew members at approximately 6:30 a.m.
The ship’s master immediately lodged a formal complaint and contacted shore-side authorities whilst the vessel continued its approach to Naples.
The Operations Centre of the Coast Guard’s General Command in Rome coordinated the response, dispatching officers to board MSC Divina upon arrival.
Despite the serious nature of the incident, the ship maintained its schedule and docked in Naples at 11:00 a.m. as planned, ensuring minimal disruption to the broader itinerary.
The cruise line’s technical team and security personnel worked alongside the Coast Guard to trace the source of the illegal transmissions.
Their investigation quickly identified the six passengers responsible for the security breach.
Multiple Criminal Charges Filed Against Passengers
Italian authorities have filed several charges against the six men, who were travelling together in two staterooms aboard the vessel.
The charges include conspiracy to violate the law, unauthorised access to a comp
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