Swedish Coast Guard Vessel Collides With Ferry in Port

A vessel operated by the Swedish Coast Guard struck the passenger ferry Eckerö while it was docked at the ferry terminal in Grisslehamn, Sweden. According to reports, none of the passengers or crew members were injured in the incident.

The accident happened on the morning of March 3 when the Coast Guard vessel KBV 202 allided with the Eckerö. At the time, the ferry was moored and preparing to leave for Åland on its scheduled 10:00 a.m. departure.

Official reports state that the Coast Guard vessel first hit the ferry and then continued into the quay. The impact caused significant damage to the Coast Guard vessel, including a large hole above the waterline in the bow after it struck the quay.

As a result of the incident, all Eckerö sailings planned for March 3 and March 4 were cancelled and passengers who were on board during the collision were safely disembarked. They were then transported away from the port by bus.

Port officials are currently waiting for a technical inspection of the Coast Guard vessel, which is not able to move under its own power at this time. Port operations returned to normal on March 5.

The exact cause of the collision has not yet been determined. Authorities from the Swedish Transport Agency and the Swedish Police have launched an investigation into the incident.