The Panama-flagged bulker Meshka (35,829 DWT), which ran aground on May 31 in the Øresund Strait between Sweden and Denmark, was successfully refloated on Saturday, June 7, 2025. According to the Swedish Coast Guard, the salvage operation concluded without any oil spills or environmental damage.
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Salvage Operation Completed Without Incident
The salvage team, hired by the vessel’s owners, began work early Saturday morning. Operations commenced at 03:00 local time by emptying the vessel’s ballast tanks. Two tugboats were connected to Meshka’s bow and stern. By 08:30, the vessel floated freely and made an eight-hour voyage to Landskrona, Sweden, under her own power.
Coast Guard officials and pilots from the Swedish Maritime Administration were on board to monitor the procedure.
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Oil Monitoring and Environmental Protection
The Meshka carried approximately 938,000 liters of oil in its fuel and lubricating tanks. To prevent environmental damage, the Swedish Coast Guard had vessels on standby at the site and additional emergency response teams in Landskrona and Malmö in case of an oil leak.
Fortunately, no pollution was detected during or after the operation.
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Investigation and Legal Actions
Initial reports from the Swedish Maritime Administration’s VTS center indicated that Meshka was off course. Although the crew was warned around 10:00 AM on May 31, they failed to take corrective action, leading to the grounding on a soft sandy bottom.
Swedish authorities launched an investigation, and one crew member has been charged with negligence in maritime traffic. While no alcohol use was detected onboard, the Swedish Coast Guard continues its inquiry into “a lack of good seamanship.”
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Pattern of Maritime Incidents in Øresund
This grounding is the second bulker incident in less than a week in the Øresund region. Just days earlier, a Turkish-owned bulker went aground roughly 50 miles south, near the Øresund Bridge. In that case, a crew member was charged with intoxication and negligent navigation. That ship was refloated on June 4.
These consecutive incidents have heightened concerns over crew fatigue, lack of bridge discipline, and operational safety aboard commercial vessels.
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Seafarer Fatigue and Industry-Wide Concerns
Recent industry studies point to an increase in maritime casualties caused by fatigued, distracted, or unqualified crew. In one notable case this May, a ship grounded in a Norwegian fjord after the officer on watch reportedly fell asleep at the helm.
The North Sea and Baltic regions have witnessed several such incidents in recent years, raising alarms about watchkeeping standards and the enforcement of SOLAS and STCW requirements.
Related article: Seafarers Report Fatigue, Anxiety, and Lack of Medical Care
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Key Takeaways
Meshka was safely refloated on June 7 after grounding on May 31 near Sweden.
No pollution or injuries were reported.
Swedish authorities have charged one crew member with negligence.
A growing number of similar incidents highlight the ongoing risks related to crew fatigue and poor seamanship.
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Further Reading
First Bulker Refloated in Øresund – Turkish Vessel Grounding
Seafarer Fatigue Report – May 2025 Maritime Safety Study
What Is Good Seamanship? A Guide for Maritime Professionals
