Meshka
On May 31, the 180 meter long, 35829 dwt bulk carrier Meshka (IMO: 9588380) ran aground in the Öresund near Landskrona, Sweden. The Meshka was proceeding to Vysotsk from Skagen in ballast when it proceeded to be off course. Authorities alerted the vessel was on the wrong course, but the vessel didn’t change course before it grounded. The Swedish Coast Guard responded with multiple vessels to the scene. The Coast Guard found the vessel was firmly aground on the sandy bottom and the bulk carrier had no significant hull damage from the incident and there were no injuries to the 24 crew members on board.
Authorities quickly launched an investigation into the grounding. The Coast Guard questioned the crew and checked for any crew member being intoxicated which all returned negative. Reports state the crew of the Meshka was warned it was off course and had enough time to avoid going aground. Either the crew ignored the urgency to change course or failed to complete any maneuvers before it was too late. Swedish Prosecutors are looking into negligence and if criminal charges will be issued to the crew.
The owners of the Meshka have been asked to provide a salvage plan that would be approved by the Coast Guard and Swedish authorities. The Coast Guard has stated they will monitor the vessel for any potential pollution and contain it. The Meshka had some 938 tons of fuel oil in its tanks at the time of the incident.
