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Tag: Sweden

Kertu

Kertu

Photo: kustbevakningen.se
Photo: kustbevakningen.se

The 90 meter long cargo ship Kertu ran aground off off Rural Area, south of Nynashamn, Sweden.  The Kertu had run hard aground in severe weather with waves reaching 3 to 4 meters high. The cargo ship sustained significant hull damage.  Both the fuel tank and cargo hold suffered water ingress.  An unreported amount of fuel oil spilled out into the sea.

Photo: kustbevakningen.se
Photo: kustbevakningen.se

The crew notified authorities that the vessel was in distress and required assistance.  The Swedish Coast Guard dispatched several vessels to the scene and launched recovery operations.  The crew was able to transfer fuel oil from the damaged from the damaged tank into another undamaged tank.  The Kertu was refloated, but it was found that the water ingress was more than the vessel’s pump could manage.  Seven of the nine crew on the Kertu were evacuated safely by the Coast Guard while the remaining crew attempted to bring the flooding under control.

Photo: kustbevakningen.se
Photo: kustbevakningen.se

Flooding continued in the Kertu with the holds nearly 1/2 filled with water and the vessel began to list over to starboard. The Swedish Coast Guard was able to deliver additional pumps and help aid the remaining crew to get them running.  With in a short time, the pumps brought the flooding under control.  A pilot was brought on board and the vessel proceeded to Oxelösund.  No reports of injuries.  An investigation was launched by authorities.  Reports state the crew made a navigational error and steered the Kertu aground.

Stoc Marcia

Stoc Marcia

Stoc Marcia
Photo: Sjöräddningssällskapet

On October 2, the 100 meter long tanker Stoc Marcia caught fire off Ronneby, Sweden. The fire started in the electrical system in the engine room. The vessel alerted authorities  while the crew evacuated the engine room and activated the fire suppression system.  The Skillinge lifeboat and a helicopter with local fire fighters arrived on scene a short time later.  After inspecting that the fire was completely extinguished, the fire fighters returned to Skillinge.  None of the 12 crew on board the Stoc Marcia were injured. The fire damaged the engine and the tanker required assistance.  The Swedish Coast Guard stood by until a tug arrived the following morning.  The tug and the Stoc Marcia proceeded to Landskrona.  No reports of pollution released.

Mercandia IV

Mercandia IV

Mercandia IV
Photo: cphpost.dk

On September 21, the 96 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Mercandia IV allided with the pier in the port of Helsingborg, Sweden. The Mercandia IV was making a regular voyage from Helsingør, Denmark with 124 passengers and 19 crew. As the ferry entered the port, it struck a pier in the harbor. The vessel was holed on the starboard side of the bow. The bow door was too far damaged in the collision to be operated and the Mercandia IV backed into its berth. Passengers reported that the impact cause glasses and dishes to smashed onto the floor.  One passenger and one crewman were injured and were taken to hospital.  No reports of pollution released.  The following day the vessel was inspected and later taken to a shipyard for repairs.