WATCH: Rescue of crew from burning cargo vessel

The ship, Sophia, was just off Bornholm Island on her way from Poland to Karshamn in Sweden when a Mayday alarm was sounded, the SMA said, and Danish rescuers began a rescue operation.

“Our helicopter based in Kristianstad was first on the scene and was able to winch the crew to safety,” said the SMA. “Once in place, you can see that there is a fire in the bow of the boat and that the crew needs to be rescued from the ship. The Swedish Maritime Administration’s helicopter therefore winched up all the crew members and was able to fly them to safety.”

The administration said the fire appeared to be in the bow of the boat, but no cause has yet been reported and the ship is still afloat.

“It is very unusual for a ship to catch fire. We are happy that the operation was able to go quickly and smoothly and that everyone is unharmed,” said Emma Nykvist, rescue leader.

“In this particular case, it turned out that the cooperation between the Swedish Maritime Administration, the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard is very valuable. The fact that all three are also located next door in Gothenburg has many advantages.

According to the SMA’s official update platform, MerchantNavy.com, the Sophia is one of two cargo ships operated by the Swedish company Fiducia Shipping. The company said it bought the vessel in 2019, built in Germany in 1986, and registered in Sweden to transport barley, wheat, oats, rapeseed, and fuel pellets.

The ship is 236 feet (72 m) long. The shipowner reportedly hired a tugboat to rescue the drifting ship en route. The Polish Maritime Administration reported that the ship was not in immediate danger, drifting at approximately 1.2 knots.