Cargo Ship Runs Aground in Strait; Crew Member Detained

The general cargo vessel Ali Aykin ran aground in the Sound Strait, the narrow body of water separating Sweden and Denmark. The grounding incident is believed to have been caused by alcohol consumption among the crew, and one crew member has been taken into custody for being intoxicated.

The grounding happened on May 25 while the vessel was sailing from Gdansk, Poland, to Setubal, Portugal, with a cargo of scrap metal. At the time of the incident, the ship carried approximately 69,000 liters of diesel fuel, but authorities have reported no signs of spillage. Surveillance of the area is ongoing, with a Swedish Coast Guard aircraft keeping watch for any potential leaks.

The Ali Aykin deviated from its expected course near Klagshamn, moving out of the designated shipping lane. Swedish officials suspect that the deviation was due to intoxication among the crew members in control of the vessel. One of the crew has since been arrested for operating under the influence.

Built in 1999, the Ali Aykin is a general cargo ship registered under the flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It measures 93.72 meters in length, has a beam of 14.85 meters, and a gross tonnage of 2,950.