Alis was actually involved in a ferry disaster she spent 2 hours in the water before being picked up by a fishing boat. A young crewmember dived in the sea, Force 7 at the time, to rescue her and several people. Alis met him after 40 years at a commemoration ceremony. It was a pretty emotional meeting.

She was 14 at the time and one would have to say it has left its mark on her. None the less she will still take a ferry.

The following are in Italian naturally, but google translator would give you the general idea.

http://www.brindisiweb.it/storia/heleanna_testimonianze.asp

http://www.monopolitube.it/cronaca/5099-la-tragedia-dellheleanna-alla-vita-in-diretta.html

http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naufragio_della_Heleanna

http://www.brindisireport.it/cronaca/2011/09/12/heleanna-immagini-di-un-naufragio/

Peter

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