Containers overboard off Öland

Monday, 08 February 2010 12:45

In an accident on Saturday three steel shipping containers fell overboard the MV “Linda” at a position between Oland and Gotland. The 11,000 tonne Finnish owned freighter

was en route from Rotterdam to St. Petersburg. The accident happened after the bottom container in a stack of four folded and shed the others into waters south of the island of Gotland.

 

One of the lost containers containing a hazardous substance, Vantocil TG, which is a disinfectant.

A full air and sea search was conducted by Swedish Coastguards during Saturday and Sunday but without success.

Today, the Coast Guard air once again has searched for the missing containers, but the search was suspended because of low clouds. During the afternoon there will be new flights in the area.

Authorities are asking the ships transiting the area to keep a look out for the boxes which may pose a serious danger to other shipping. It is also possible the containers were fallen on the 70-110m depth.

The "Linda” is one of five bulk and container vessels owned by OY Langh Ship AB based in Pikis in Finland.

Source: Swedish Coast Guard and others