Swedish Coast Guard Intensifies Efforts to Contain Oil Spill from Grounded Ferry in Baltic Sea

Over 6,600 gallons of oil leaked from grounded German-owned Marco Polo ferry, damaging parts of Swedish coastline; captains fined for recklessness as oil spill continues to spread.

• The Marco Polo passenger ferry, operated by Germany's TT-Line, first ran aground on October 22 while traveling between the Swedish port cities of Trelleborg and Karlshamn, causing the first oil leak.
• More than 6,600 gallons of oil have already leaked into the Baltic Sea from the ferry, damaging large parts of the Swedish coastline around 68 miles from Malmo, Sweden's third-largest city.
• After the initial grounding, all 75 passengers and crew were rescued without incident and the Swedish Coast Guard began an 'environmental rescue mission' to contain the oil spill.
• The vessel, which underwent a major overhaul in 2019 and operates with two Diesel-electric engines, is taking on water but is considered stable and unlikely to sink entirely.
• Due to the severity of the situation, Swedish Coast Guard has increased resources and personnel to combat the ongoing oil spill at sea, with aid coming from several parts of Sweden.
• In light of events, Swedish prosecutors have fined the captain and an officer in charge at the time of the grounding for acting recklessly by relying on a faulty GPS

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