A Polish-built ro-pax has been sold at auction after being laid up in Italy for three years.

The 10,600-gt Adriatica I (built 1979) has left Porto Empedocle under the new name of Galaxy, local media said.

The new owner is not known, but the ferry is flying the Panamanian flag.

It was previously chartered by Siremar for voyages to Lampedusa.

The former owner was listed as South Adriatic Shipping Line.