Discover the Birka-Gotland: Ratings & Maritime News

On December 8, 2023, at precisely 11:40 p.m., the dedicated sea rescuers from RS Räfsnäs received an urgent call regarding a medical emergency on board the passenger vessel 'Birka Gotland'. In a swift response, the lifeboat 'Ilse Sanne', crewed by three volunteer rescuers, set off immediately to assist. Upon their arrival, two of the rescuers boarded the ship to stabilize the patient and prepare for a critical evacuation. Coinciding with this, a pilot boat from the Swedish Maritime Administration arrived, carrying medical personnel ready to assist. The team successfully transferred the patient onto the 'Ilse Sanne', which then headed back to shore, where an ambulance awaited to provide further medical care. The heroic rescuers returned to their station at 1:00 a.m. on December 9, completing a vital mission during the challenging nighttime hours.

On the evening of November 12, 2025, just after 8 p.m., the Räfsnäs rescue station received an urgent call regarding a medical emergency aboard the vessel 'Birka Gotland.' In a swift response, five dedicated volunteer sea rescuers swiftly boarded the lifeboat 'Rescue Vialla' and navigated towards the distressed ship. Four of these rescuers made their way on board through the pilot gate to deliver timely medical assistance. The affected individual was carefully placed on a stretcher and transported down to the deck of the 'Rescue Vialla.' The lifeboat then set sail for Furusund, where an ambulance was waiting to facilitate further medical intervention at a hospital. By around 10 p.m., the 'Rescue Vialla' successfully returned to its station, highlighting the efficiency and bravery of the local rescue team in a critical situation.

On April 28, 2024, a critical medivac operation unfolded involving the ferry 'Birka Gotland', which was en route from Stockholm to Mariehamn. The crew sought urgent medical assistance for a young passenger experiencing an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions prevented the deployment of a Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter. In response, the Sea Rescue Society mobilized the rescue vessel RS 'Vialla' from their Räfsnäs station. Rescuers successfully boarded the 'Birka Gotland' north of Furusund, safely took custody of the child, and transported the patient to a waiting ambulance at Kapellskär for immediate medical attention.

Gotlandsbolaget has officially acquired the Birka Stockholm for a sum of approximately 38 million Euros from Rederiaktiebolaget Eckerö. This passenger vessel is set to enhance maritime traffic between Stockholm, Mariehamn, and Visby, complementing existing services to Gotland. The Birka Stockholm previously operated as a cruise ship on the Stockholm to Mariehamn route until the suspension of operations amidst the pandemic. Now, with the backing of its subsidiary, Destination Gotland, Gotlandsbolaget plans to revive this ferry service, providing tax-free cruising options and adapting traffic patterns to seasonal demand. Plans are in place to launch operations in the spring of 2024, with immediate steps being taken to develop the organization and enhance service offerings.

Birka Cruises has announced that its vessel, BIRKA STOCKHOLM, will undergo a substantial upgrade costing EUR 2.1 million at Fayard in Denmark. This refit is scheduled from January 6 to January 18, 2019. While some technical enhancements will be implemented, the primary emphasis of this refurbishment will be on improving the passenger experience on Deck 5, the ship's main passenger deck.