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Tag: Baltic Sea

Express 5

Express 5

Express 5
Photo: tv2bornholm.dk

On November 25, the 31 meter long, 1000 dwt catamaran ro-ro passenger ferry Express 5 (IMO: 9913286) allided in the Baltic Sea off Bornholm, Denmark. The Express 5, one of the largest catamaran ferries in the world, was departing from Rønne when it struck the breakwater. The ferry sustained hull damage with a long crease along its starboard hull. The Express 5 had to return to its berth and passengers were disembarked. No reports of injuries.

The Express 5 was taken to a drydock for repairs. After temporary repairs were completed on November 29, the vessel was allowed to go back into service  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Brisen

Brisen

Brisen

On November 30, the 67 meter long, 2103 dwt tanker Brisen (IMO: 9970595) ran aground in the Baltic Sea near Sandhamn, Sweden. The Brisen was en route to Stockholm from Karlskrona with a cargo of bunker oil when it grounded and sustained hull damage. Authorities found the vessel had sustained several holes in the vessel’s ballast tanks. The tanker would be refloated the next day and proceeded to Stockholm. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Authorities launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the Brisen did not have a pilot on board at the time of the grounding.

Sofia

Sofia

Sofia
Photo: Swedish Maritime Authority

On the evening of November 28, the 70 meter long, 1827 dwt cargo vessel Sofia (IMO: 8616087) suffered an explosion and fire in Baltic Sea some 30 nautical miles off the coast of Bornholm, Denmark. The Sofia was proceeding in ballast from Poland to Karlshamn when the vessel alerted authorities a mayday alert and the crew needed to abandon ship. Both Danish and Swedish authorities dispatched helicopters and vessels to the scene. Reports state a Swedish rescue helicopter was first to arrive over the Sofia and were able to winch up all 5 crew safely.  The helicopter took the crew to Kristianstad and were reported unharmed from the incident. Polish authorities also dispatched the rescue vessel Kapitan Poinc along with a tugboat towards the drifting Sofia.

Sofia
Photo: tvn24.pl

Reports state the vessel’s owners had dispatched a tug from Rostock to take the Sofia under tow and take it to a shipyard for repair. No details on the cause of the explosion nor the extent of damage caused by the explosion and the fire. Authorities stated the Sofia was not a threat to navigation in the area.