GNV ferry fantastic under cyberattack probe amid remote hijack fears

French prosecutors are investigating a suspected cyberattack on the GNV ferry Fantastic amid fears of a possible remote hijack, with the ship’s IT systems the focus of the inquiry prompted by GNV. Italian intelligence alerted Paris authorities about two sailors, a Latvian and a Bulgarian, suspected of spying for a foreign power, and the Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit is examining whether the vessel’s systems were exposed to malware capable of controlling the ship.

The Bulgarian citizen was released, while the Latvian was charged in Paris with conspiracy to serve a foreign power, attempted computer system intrusion and possession of devices to interfere with navigation systems, according to the police and prosecutors. The company has identified and neutralised an attempted intrusion with no consequences on effectively protected company systems, and it has cooperated with authorities while keeping passengers informed, according to GNV and reported to Il Sole 24Ore.

The inquiry, prompted by GNV, also touches on whether the attack involved insiders or physical access to OT/IT systems, and media reports suggest the investigation is focusing on Russia amid ongoing hybrid warfare incidents in European waters, reported on 17 December 2025.