Bulk Carrier Runs Aground In Sweden; Crew Member Arrested

A 93-meter-long bulk carrier loaded with scrap metal ran aground early Sunday morning on May 25, 2025, near Klagshamn in southern Öresund, Sweden. The incident took place at approximately 2:30 a.m. while the ship was heading north through the fairway.

According to the Swedish Coast Guard, the vessel is currently hard aground, with large parts of its hull in contact with the seabed, which consists of sand and stone. A preliminary investigation has been launched into suspected gross negligence in maritime traffic and potential drunkenness at sea.

The ship has not taken on water in the cargo holds, but one of its ballast tanks, which is used to balance the ship, has been filled with water due to the grounding. Despite this, the vessel remains otherwise functional.

There are around 69,000 liters of diesel oil on board. So far, no oil has been detected in the water, and the Coast Guard has confirmed there are currently no signs of a spill. However, they warned that the risk of oil leakage could increase during salvage operations.

The vessel is grounded just beside the fairway, but maritime traffic in the area is not affected.

Personnel from the Coast Guard vessel KBV 314, along with representatives from the Swedish Transport Agency, boarded the grounded ship soon after the incident to begin investigative procedures. A surveillance flight was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Sunday to help detect any possible oil leaks from the air.

Later on Sunday, weather conditions prevented Coast Guard divers from examining the hull and the seabed immediately. These inspections were considered important for assessing the damage and planning for salvage.

On May 26, divers conducted underwater surveys, confirming that the ship is firmly grounded and that the hull has been impacted. The Coast Guard announced that they are now maintaining a constant presence at the site and have initiated an environmental rescue operation as a precaution. Equipment and personnel are in place to take action in case the situation worsens or oil starts leaking.

One member of the ship’s crew has been arrested. The crew member is suspected of gross negligence in maritime traffic and is being investigated for possible alcohol involvement. The suspect was taken from the ship following a decision by the public prosecutor, who is now leading the investigation.

A salvage plan is required before any recovery attempt can begin. The plan must be prepared by the ship’s owner and the designated salvage company and then approved by both the Swedish Transport Agency and the Coast Guard. As of now, no timeline has been provided for when the ship will be refloated or moved.

Reference: Swedish Coast Guard

Source: Maritime Shipping News