Storm Sinks Ship In Baltic at 1937 Hrs Local Finnish Time

[Classic Finn]

Well looks like were flying our flag at half mast this evening... The Sea gives but the sea also takes...The International Rescue Code was heard on Radio here at the house.. since I have a Marine Band on all the time.






This evening at 1937 HRS. The Baltic Swallows up a 150 meter long 23 meters wide, ships depth of 7.3 meters and normal speed of 17 knots. RORO PAX. Main Cargo of containers and trailers. Ships Name - Finn Birch. Swedish Owned.

Vessel near the Island of Gotland and Åland off the Coast of Sweden...It left from Helsinki, Finland to Århus Denmark. The waves were over 5 meters (15 feet) high and it is said that its load of containers and trailers slid over to one side and ... disappeared off radar. It met fatal side winds.. and of course the waves...

14 Crew members onboard with rescue operations going on this moment
4 Swedes and 10 Philipine Crew..most crew have been found with (cold weather rescue flotation suits) floating in Baltic.. 2 are still believed to be missing.

All evening helicopters had been hovering above the ship to try rescue efforts and unable to do so due to antenna and cables and also it being on its side. No other ship could approach near to assist due to it already having tilted..

It contains 260,000 litres of oil and if it leaks its a very serious catastrophe..in the Baltic..

So Im on standby to go if called for sea rescue. Baggage packed and ready if needed..

Classic Finn

[TRAIL-OF-TEARS]

That is sad news Heikki.
I hope they find the two missing crew members.

If you are called out, please be safe and stay warm.

[apratt]

If you go, be safe. Ok.

[Classic Finn]

Its going to be a long night... for certain... Ive passed between and outer side of those Islands 100,s of times and nothing has ever happened there.

Normally we go in between to get to shelter from high winds and storms..
and now this... In a so called safe haven for seafarers...


Im speechless to say the least....Lets pray we can find all Crew.. and also that the oil dont leak out....Soooo guess my humor went sour for this evening...wife says Im white as a ghost..


So wherever you maybe this evening or day ... we need your prayers..for the safety of all Crew and those in Rescue Attempt..

PS Just heard they may call in help to assist raising the ship and Cargo
after the storm clears... That effort is a challenge and costly...but so is the sinking of the ship..


Sincere wishes
Heikki

[Classic Finn]

That is sad news Heikki.
I hope they find the two missing crew members.

If you are called out, please be safe and stay warm.

Thank You for your thoughts...

Heikki

[Classic Finn]

If you go, be safe. Ok.

Thank You for the kind words..I,ll keep you posted.. and others as well..


Heikki

[rbeemer]

Heikki,

you got em - every single one(prayers)

On a seperate note

If you go and get hurt, we will never forgive you for not being able to finish the first finnish teardrop

Serious though keep your self safe if you get the call and try to get plenty of rest and keep your spirits high - I been through this type of stuff when I was in the military

[Classic Finn]

Heikki,

you got em - every single one(prayers)

On a seperate note

If you go and get hurt, we will never forgive you for not being able to finish the first finnish teardrop

Serious though keep your self safe if you get the call and try to get plenty of rest and keep your spirits high - I been through this type of stuff when I was in the military

Kiitos Kiitos... Thank You... Im hoping I dont have to go...but I will if called...

It is WINDY out there... at sea that is... 15 foot waves...


Heikki

[Classic Finn]

Just an example of what we,ll be going in if called..these were taken during a rescue excercise last summer..

This event brings back the nightmares of the Estonia sinking..never knowing when our last voyage may be..But then its the same in life anywhere..

[Spadinator]

God Speed....and good luck and oh one more thing...Please be careful!!

[Classic Finn]

Okay here is an update just came in..All but 1 Crew Member Missing yet.
It could be that he is drifting northward in the vacinity..

Most Crew have been flown to Kalmar - Small City in Coastal Sweden ...

Captain badly hurt with head injuries and broken leg... Hurt during the tilting of the ship...


Classic Finn

[Classic Finn]

God Speed....and good luck and oh one more thing...Please be careful!!

Thank You My Friend..

Ship disappeared at 1937 Hrs and its now 0143 Hrs..Lost crew member
would be able to survive in that thermal suit for 10 Hrs if he,s lucky..
depending on the temp in the Sea.. and of course waves and winds.. without it only a few minutes if that...

Classic Finn

[Nitetimes]

That really sucks, this isn't a good time of year to be swimming out there. Hope they find the last guy.
Are the tanks sealed against leaks if it goes under or will it lose it's oil now that it submerged?
Be careful if'n ya go out there, it looks pretty nasty.



.

[Fenlason]

Heikki:

Prayers for all are being sent from here.

I am fairly new to this site.. May I ask more about your rescue work?

Is this your "regular" job... or something on the side.... are you military or civilian?

take care

glenn

[Classic Finn]

[quote="Nitetimes"]That really sucks, this isn't a good time of year to be swimming out there. Hope they find the last guy.
Are the tanks sealed against leaks if it goes under or will it lose it's oil now that it submerged?
Be careful if'n ya go out there, it looks pretty nasty.

If and If Rich... Or should we say so and so.. depends how much damage
was caused when the containers went over to the side and its impact..
The ships do have double sealed walls and doors but a rupture anywhere could spill it all...

We had to swim in that "chitt" once during the winter excercise. Of course with the rescue suits which are water tight and warm .. but the cold water still gets to the face... and to ride the waves without a surf board... in winter ...

Not my sport but someone has to do this.. UGH:::



Heikki