An oil spill has been reported after the Panama-flagged car carrier ‘Makassar Highway’ ran aground in an archipelago north of Vastervik on the Baltic Sea, in the afternoon hours of Monday, according to data provided by Swedish officials.
At the time of the incident, the 139-meter ship was en route from Germany’s port of Cuxhaven to the Swedish port of Sodertalje, south of Stockholm, loaded with approximately 1,325 vehicles. Weather conditions were good at the time.
Officials also informed that they are investigating the damage extent to the vessel, and divers will also be deployed. Oil traces have been identified at the scene, but the risk of pollution is not major.
International media reports suggest the vessel had been sailing on a wrong route for several hours before the incident. Swedish authorities have reportedly arrested a crew member over suspicions of intoxication.
The Makassar Highway was built in 2001 and is operated by Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation.
