“Partono i bastimenti,” by Gianluca Gerli, is the tenth book in the series ”Storie di mare,” edited by the General Command of the Coast Guard in collaboration with All Around Editions.
The book stems from the idea of recounting – against the backdrop of Italian emigrations – a little-known side of Italian history and that of the Corps: government commissioners, from the nineteenth century until after World War II, were professional figures largely chosen from among the officers of the Harbour Offices employed during long transoceanic voyages, who were fundamental in guaranteeing the safety of navigation and shipping in general, as well as – inevitably – the very welfare of the emigrants.
Through meticulous historical reconstruction and analysis of the commissioners’ diaries, the book offers a vivid portrait of daily life aboard the ships. The testimonies, largely preserved by the General Command and contributed to the state archives, constitute original material that sheds light on a span of time from the last two decades of the 19th century to after World War II. Stories of departures, landings and, at times, dramatic repatriations emerge with all their emotional intensity.

Speakers will include:

• Admiral Chief Inspector Nicola CARLONE – Commander General Coast Guard
• Capt. Cosimo NICASTRO – Chief of the Coast Guard Communication Office.
• Capt. of Vessel Maurizio TATTOLI – Chief Office Assistant Commanding General
• Prof. Gianluca GERLI – Author of the book