Denmark has reopened an official investigation into the fire onboard the Scandinavian Star ferry that claimed the lives of 159 people in 1990, a move welcomed by Danish unions.
Denmark’s justice minister Nick Hækkerup reached cross-party agreement to set up an independent taskforce to examine ownership and insurance details over 18 months. If it finds new information, a fresh police investigation may follow, Nautilus International informed.
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The ferry caught fire shortly after setting sail from Oslo to Frederikshavn, Denmark, on 7 April 1990. At the time, many people thought that the massive fire was started deliberately in an attempt at insurance fraud, and that it then got out of control.
Reports at the time say there were accusations about who was behind it, as well as speculation about who the ultimate owners of the ship were. The ownership details were hugely complex and this made it difficult to pin blame.
Survivors erected a commemorative stone in Frederikshavn port last year, which Mr. Philipsen believes will act as a focal point.
Society still owes a great debt to the families and survivors – to have a resolution or investigation that goes over all the documents and other matters, including insurance. Things up to now have been shameful,
…stated Ole Philipsen, director of the CO-Søfart union.
‘Danish Engineers’ Association chairman, Lars Have Hansen, doubts the investigators will be able to work out where the blame lies and fears the relatives will be left with an ‘open wound that will not heal’.
I hope, as do most people, that the loose ends can be investigated once and for all and any liability placed,
…he says.
