Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Baltica

On April 8, 2023, the tugboat 'Bock' (IMO: 8680820) was dispatched from Rostock to Kühlungsborn to assist the disabled vessel 'Baltica.' This operation was set in motion after the 'Baltica' encountered issues that left it stranded. The following day, April 9, at 9 a.m., the tow operation commenced, with the additional support of the tug 'Fairplay 56' (IMO: 9036234) and the diver ship 'Flunder' (MMSI: 211223950). The convoy was headed to the Tamsen Shipyard in Rostock, where the 'Baltica' is scheduled for extensive repairs. The vessel suffered a significant failure when its propeller shaft became loose, resulting in water intrusion through the shaft tunnel into the aft section of the ship. This repair operation aims to address both the shaft seal and the engine room damages. For detailed coverage, including photos and videos, you can visit the following links: [NDR Nordmagazin](https://www.ndr.de/fernsehen/sendungen/nordmagazin/Havarierte-MS-Baltica-wird-nach-Rostock-geschleppt,nordmagazin128180.html), [NDR News](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/mecklenburg-vorpommern/Nach-Havarie-Baltica-wird-von-Kuehlungsborn-nach-Rostock-geschleppt,aktuellmv140.html), [Ostsee Zeitung](https://www.ostsee-zeitung.de/lokales/rostock/ms-baltica-schlepper-bringt-havariertes-schiff-nach-rostock-WFA5XRNT25EYDHX5EJAZZZRSP4.html), and [Stern](https://www.stern.de/gesellschaft/regional/mecklenburg-vorpommern/unglueck-auf-der-ostsee--havariertes-ausflugsschiff--baltica--in-rostock-eingetroffen-35625222.html).

Following a swift intervention by emergency services to avert the sinking of the 'Baltica', efforts are now focused on determining the ship's future. As of the morning of April 8, authorities from the water police confirmed that the salvage operations are nearing completion, with the leak successfully sealed. For safety measures, the vessel will continue to be monitored closely. The private diving and salvage firm Baltic Taucher has taken charge of the next phase, utilizing the salvage vessel 'Flunder' (MMSI: 211223950) to assist at the Kühlungsborn pier. An expert assessment of the 'Baltica' is imminent, though it remains uncertain if a towing operation will proceed on April 8, pending the issuance of a towing permit from the water police. Notably, hazardous substances were released during the incident, raising the stakes for careful management moving forward.

On April 7, 2025, the passenger ferry 'Baltica' encountered a critical issue with water ingress while operating between Kühlungsborn and Warnemünde in the Baltic Sea. The incident unfolded near the Kühlungsborn pier, prompting the captain to quickly alert emergency services shortly after 11 a.m. Fortunately, the crew managed to turn the vessel around and safely dock back at the pier, allowing all passengers to disembark without injury. Initially, the situation looked dire as the ferry appeared to be at risk of sinking. However, the efforts of over 50 dedicated volunteer firefighters made a significant difference. They efficiently pumped out more water from the engine room than was entering, helping the ferry to stabilize. Additionally, responders deployed oil booms around the vessel to minimize environmental impact and prevent any oil or marine diesel from dispersing into the sea. Despite their efforts, small amounts of marine diesel did escape into the Baltic, but these were swiftly contained by the teams on-site. Divers later inspected the 'Baltica' and identified that a loose drive shaft had been the source of the water inflow. Repair attempts commenced immediately at the location. Current regulations courtesy of the water police now prohibit the 'Baltica' from departing the Kühlungsborn pier until the necessary repairs are completed. The following morning, on April 8, the 'Flunder' of Baltic Taucher Germany arrived to assist further. For continuous updates, visit the detailed reports and visual coverage available at the following links: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/mecklenburg-vorpommern/Kuehlungsborn-Ausflugsdampfer-vor-Seebruecke-havariert,aktuellmv136.html, https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/kuehlungsborn-fahrgastschiff-baltica-nach-leck-evakuiert-a-453ec83c-8e98-4d67-9785-7a2d44757426, https://www.nordkurier.de/regional/rostock/ausflugsschiff-auf-ostsee-droht-zu-sinken-wasser-laeuft-in-heck-3479539, https://www.gmx.net/magazine/panorama/fahrgastschiff-ms-baltica-droht-sinken-40853554.