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Tag: Baltic Sea

Makassar Highway

Makassar Highway

Makassar Highway
Photo: kustbevakningen.se

On July 23, the 139 meter long, 6890 dwt car carrier Makassar Highway ran aground in the Baltic Sea near Vastervik, Sweden. The Makassar Highway was headed for Södertälje from Cuxhaven with 1325 vehicles on board when it ran aground at full speed into shallow water.  The Makassar Highway went hard aground with enough force that the bow was nearly out of the water. A small amount of hydrolic oil leaked from the bow thruster.  The Swedish Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched a response team to the scene.  Coast Guard vessels placed a boom around the hull to contain any further pollution released.

An initial investigation found the crewman at the helm at the time of the incident was intoxicated.  He did not change course and allowed the car carrier to steer straight into shallow water.  Swedish authorities report that the crewman was arrested for gross negligence.

Divers were dispatched to inspect the Makassar Highway for damage. The Coast Guard and Swedish authorities are in discussion with the vessel’s owner to develop a salvage plan.  

Finnfellow

Finnfellow

Finnfellow

On May 2, the 188 meter long, 7885 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Finnfellow allided with a quay at Långnäs, Åland Islands. The Finnfellow damaged a fender which broke off and sank in the harbour. No reports of injuries or pollution released from the ferry.  The port of Långnäs was closed to traffic for several hours until the fender could be pulled out of the sea.

Hansestadt Stralsund

Hansestadt Stralsund

On July 30, the 13 meter long passenger ship Hansestadt Stralsund ran aground in the Baltic Sea near Hiddensee, Germany. The vessel was caught in stormy seas and blown into shallow waters. The vessel requested assistance with a DGzRS lifeboat responding. The lifeboat was able to pull the Hansestadt Stralsund free and towed the passenger ship to Neuendorf upon Hiddensee. No reports of injuries.  The vessel will undergo surveys for damage.