- Dense Fog Blamed for Grounding at Norway–Sweden Border.
- No Injuries or Oil Spills Reported During Incident.
- Coast Guard and Tugboats Lead Overnight Rescue Effort.
A cargo ship loaded with timber ran aground near the Svinesund Bridge in the early hours of October 16, caught in thick fog. The mishap took place just after 1 a.m. on the Swedish side of the Norway–Sweden border while the vessel was making its way from Porsgrunn to Halden. Thankfully, there were no injuries or oil spills reported, reports Marine Insight.
Immediate Response and Inspection
The Swedish Coast Guard received the alert around 1:30 a.m. and quickly sent personnel to the scene. A tugboat, coordinated by the Vessel Traffic Service, along with the patrol vessel KBV 310, arrived shortly after. Divers checked the hull and found no significant structural damage that would impede towing operations.
Safety Checks and Coordination
The crew members went through standard breathalyser tests, which confirmed that alcohol wasn’t a factor. The Swedish Sea Rescue Society helped deliver environmental protection equipment. The Swedish Transport Agency, Strömstad rescue services, and Norwegian authorities were notified, while Norway’s Environmental Emergency Response Team stood by, ready to assist.
Successful Refloating and Tow to Port
Further inspections on Thursday morning confirmed that the vessel was structurally sound. Two tugboats managed to refloat the ship just before 3 p.m. and towed it to the port of Halden, with a Coast Guard vessel escorting to keep an eye out for any potential oil leaks.
No Pollution Detected
Authorities confirmed that around 88,000 litres of oil, mostly diesel, remained safely contained in the vessel’s tanks. No oil was released during or after the refloating. The grounding is thought to have been caused by poor visibility due to heavy fog, and a preliminary investigation into possible negligence has been launched.
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