A Stena Line ferry breakdown in Karlskrona, Sweden, on Wednesday left nearly 500 passengers stranded, with some reporting inadequate support.
Ferry Disruption and Inspections
The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 25th, involving the Stena Spirit. The vessel, carrying 489 passengers, was safely immobilized alongside the pier. Inspections of the ship, port infrastructure, and a classification society assessment have been completed.
Stena Line Polska spokesperson stated they are awaiting final clearance to move the Stena Spirit, which is currently blocking access for other ferries on the Gdynia-Karlskrona route, causing delays.
Delayed Sailings and Passenger Accommodation
The Wednesday evening sailing of the Stena Spirit was cancelled, with passengers rebooked on alternative ferries and provided with hotel accommodation. The arrival of the Stena Estelle to Karlskrona is also delayed.
Passengers awaiting the Stena Estelle in Karlskrona have been provided with accommodation and meals aboard the Stena Spirit due to the extended wait. The departure of the Stena Ebba from Gdynia has also been postponed; passengers are currently onboard with access to cabins and facilities.
Passengers Report Lack of Communication and Basic Supplies
Approximately 200 people were affected by the breakdown, with passengers complaining about a lack of communication. One passenger reported waiting eight hours for basic necessities.
“Stena Line, Karlskrona-Gdynia. People have been stranded at the terminal for eight hours. For the first four hours, there wasn’t even drinking water. After five hours, they brought… cookies for a snack. There is no reliable, truthful information, people are stranded like animals, children are sleeping on the floor and no one will tell us what steps Stena Line is taking,” a passenger stated.
Stena Line’s Gdynia-Karlskrona Route
Stena Line has operated the Gdynia-Karlskrona ferry route for over 30 years, utilizing three vessels, including the modern 240-meter E-Flexer class ferries Stena Estelle and Stena Ebba.