Update: Sweden Removes Diesel from Grounded Cargo Ship

Sweden has managed to extract the diesel load from the grounded cargo ship Atlantic, thereby averting a possible oil spill off the coast of Oskarshamn, according to the country’s coast guard.

Following the diesel extraction operation, the officials are now looking to remove the vessel from its grounding spot, where it got stuck in the morning hours of September 23. The salvage works would not start before September 27, the coast guard added.

The 3,041 dwt cargo ship, which was earlier reported as taking on water due to hull damage, was loaded with 44,000 liters of diesel. Out of the amount, 28,000 liters were located near the damaged area of the vessel.

Although the ship is up against rocks in three places, the authorities said that there were no signs of oil spill and no reports of injuries to the crew.

The Swedish Coast Guard informed that the shallow waters in the area are hampering salvage efforts.

After preliminary investigations into the incident, Atlantic’s captain and superintendent were taken into custody as they were suspected of negligence in maritime traffic.

AIS data from Marine Traffic shows that the Faroe Islands-flagged ship was on its way from the port of Visby to Oskarshamn when it ran into trouble.

World Maritime News Staff