Second grounding in Øresund strait raises safety alarms
A new incident involving a ship has occurred in the Øresund Strait. The 180-metre bulk carrier Meshka, en route to the Russian port of Vysotsk, ran aground. This is the second such incident within a week.
What do you need to know?
- Where and when did the incident occur? The bulk carrier Meshka ran aground in the Øresund Strait, west of the Swedish city of Landskrona.
- What are the potential risks? The ship is carrying approximately 1.1 million litres of oil, posing a risk of spillage.
- What actions are being taken? The ship is being inspected, and the crew is being questioned. The Coast Guard is investigating the causes of the incident.
Why are ships running aground in the Øresund Strait?
The Swedish Coast Guard reported that the bulk carrier Meshka, registered in Panama, ran aground in the Øresund Strait. This is the second such incident within a week.
Earlier, on 25 May, the bulk carrier Ali Aykin, carrying scrap metal, ran aground. It is suspected that alcohol was consumed on board, leading to the arrest of one crew member.
Preparations are underway to tow it, as it has a damaged hull.
What regulatory changes is Sweden implementing?
Starting from 1 June, new regulations will take effect in Sweden, which grant maritime authorities greater control over foreign ships. Authorities will be able to request insurance information for vessels passing through Swedish territorial waters or the economic zone.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasizes that the new law aims to increase safety and may help expand the sanctions list on the Russian fleet.
