It's not just Etna, there's trouble in Pantelleria because of a heating failure: "Hours of waiting without assistance.

A major disruption has affected travel on the island of Pantelleria due to a breakdown in ferry service, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded overnight with little assistance. The incident occurred during the peak holiday season, as thousands of visitors were already dealing with the effects of volcanic activity near Catania. On August 13, passengers attempting to depart Pantelleria via the ferry from Trapani faced repeated delays and eventual cancellation, forcing some to sleep outdoors while waiting for alternative transport. The ferry, operated by Liberty Lines, initially departed Trapani at 13:30 but encountered technical issues during its journey. It returned to port after several hours, with repairs carried out before a second attempt was made. However, this too was marred by further complications. As the vessel set off again, it lost speed and progressed slowly toward Pantelleria. By late evening, the company had informed passengers of a revised departure time of 00:15 on August 14, with arrival in Trapani scheduled for 2:45. Despite these updates, many remained on the dock, awaiting further instructions. As night fell, some travelers attempted to find their own solutions. A number of passengers, including Isabella, who had originally planned to leave Pantelleria in the afternoon, opted to book a hotel room and a flight for the following morning. This proved difficult given the high occupancy rate during the summer holidays. Some individuals reportedly resorted to makeshift arrangements, such as sleeping on the terrace of a hotel. Isabella described the lack of support from the ferry company, noting that no water or other aid was provided during the ordeal. By early morning, the ferry finally reached Pantelleria, arriving around 4:00 AM. Shortly afterward, another message was sent to passengers informing them that their trip had been rescheduled to a new departure from Pantelleria at 10:00 on August 14. Those still stranded on the island were directed to take a ferry to Trapani, which would take approximately five and a half hours, significantly longer than the usual two-hour journey by sea. Meanwhile, the company announced that all services on August 14 had been canceled. For those who managed to secure accommodation, the situation improved slightly. Isabella and others eventually left the island by air, though she noted that not everyone had the same luck. Many remained waiting for alternative options, unable to find either a flight or a place to stay. The experience highlighted the challenges of navigating travel disruptions during peak tourist periods, particularly when multiple modes of transportation are simultaneously affected. The incident underscores the broader impact of natural and operational disruptions on regional tourism infrastructure. With the eruption of Mount Etna causing widespread flight cancellations and rerouting, the additional strain on ferry services exacerbated the difficulties faced by travelers. Local authorities and transport providers have since been called upon to improve communication and contingency planning to better handle such situations in the future. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that those affected receive adequate support and resolution.