Update: Guang Rong to Leave Marina di Massa Nearly One Year After the Accident
When you think of Tuscany, you probably imagine rolling hills, vineyards, and Renaissance art. But since January 28, 2025, visitors to Marina di Massa on the Tuscan coast have been greeted by a very unusual view: a 100-meter cargo ship stranded right next to the town pier.
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What happened?
On a stormy night in late January, the Guang Rong, a Cyprus-flagged cargo ship, crashed into the pier of Marina di Massa. The impact caused structural damage, but fortunately none of the 12 crew members were injured. Environmental authorities (ARPAT) confirmed that no pollution or environmental risks were detected.
The ship was carrying leftover materials from the famous marble quarries of Carrara. Its destination was the port of Genoa, where the cargo was supposed to be used in the construction of a massive new breakwater project financed through Italy’s PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan).
Why is it still there?
Months later, the Guang Rong is still stuck in place, watched day and night by the coast guard. The cargo remains stable on deck, but as a precaution the local municipality closed off two nearby free beaches and restricted swimming in the area around the pier.
Even with the stranded ship, beach clubs have remained open and the 2025 summer season in Marina di Massa has carried on as usual.
Discussions about removing the ship have already started, but for now the Guang Rong has become a sort of “unexpected guest” — a bizarre landmark that draws curious looks from both locals and tourists.
Planning a visit to Marina di Massa
If you’re traveling along the Tuscan coast and want to see this unusual sight for yourself, Marina di Massa is easy to reach:
- By car: Take the A12 (Genoa–Livorno) and exit toward Massa. (read also: Renting a Car in Florence – The 2025 Complete Guide )
- By train: The closest station is Massa Centro, well connected with Pisa and La Spezia. From there, local buses run to the beach.
- By plane: Pisa International Airport is less than an hour’s drive away.
Beyond the stranded ship, Marina di Massa is a lively summer destination with sandy beaches, beach clubs, and stunning sunsets over the Ligurian Sea.
This time, the reason for our trip to Marina di Massa was to take part in a tennis tournament at Tc Marina di Massa.
We stayed at Hotel Eura, a three-star hotel that is simple yet welcoming, conveniently located close to both the beach and the town center (my daughter especially loved the hot chocolate at breakfast!).
Below, a photo of my daughter Gaia, , dressed in black, who won a trophy at the end of the tournament:
It’s also a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Carrara marble quarries, the elegant seaside town of Forte dei Marmi, or even the Cinque Terre, just across the regional border.
Read also: Tickets for Viareggio Carnival 2026 Now on Sale!
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