Costa Pacifica Staff Engineer, Roberto Fruci was transported on airplane from Brazil to Italy in coma and was rushed to the hospital San in Pavia. The tragic event occurred while the cruise ship was sailing to South America with stops in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. The 45 years old officer contracted Norovirus onboard that triggered autoimmune reactions and neurological damage leading to complications to his health. 

Fruci suffered from neurological symptoms and after several days lost consciousness. 

The ship's doctor diagnosed him a stroke and he was taken to a hospital for further treatment. After several days Roberto Fruci was transported on airplane from Brazil to Milan on 18 of February. The man was in coma when he was transported in San Matteo hospital in Pavia, and died one day after he was admitted to intensive care.

The blood samples were taken and Microbiology results ruled out the presence of Dengue and Zika virus and other viruses active in South America.

Costa Cruises says that the officer suffered from cerebral ischemia, stroke. 

His colleagues onboard Costa Pacifica expressed their condolences saying:

“We are all sorry for what happen about our staff engineer Roberto Fruci...but that's life even how good you are, no matter how hard you struggle for survival . your time will come... Condolence to fruci family. ..

May you Rest in Peace CAPO.. your memories will still remains...

We will miss you... From pacifica family... “