The Botnia-Seaways: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On the morning of May 8, 2026, the ferry 'Botnia Seaways' experienced a technical malfunction, leading to an allision with a quay at the Port of Rønne. Fortunately, the damage to the quay was minimal. The vessel, which had been in port to deliver equipment for the military exercise Baltic Shield, was scheduled to depart the same day; however, it was prohibited from sailing following the incident. A thorough inspection of the ferry was conducted, and DFDS has since completed necessary repairs. After a brief delay, 'Botnia Seaways' successfully resumed its journey on May 14, heading towards Swinoujscie. Repair work on the quay's damage remains pending. For additional footage, visit: https://www.tv2bornholm.dk/bornholm/dfds-faerge-stodte-ind-i-kaj-og-lavede-skader-pa-faergelejet-4f7d5?fbclid=Iwb21leAR2bA1jbGNrBHZr_WV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHspFPKDIB6_Ra0qIKwUR6G7eXnDkE2ttmRcdgrlIiiPYyxQo1-D6Gwm-czeb_aem_irmzSzUoJ-Fsl82w-CrUHA.

A tragic incident occurred aboard the ferry 'Botnia Seaways' on November 23, 2017, when a 63-year-old Lithuanian crew member lost his life during unloading operations in Rades. The accident transpired as the vessel had just arrived from Marseilles, leading to a devastating moment when the crew member was struck by a trailer. DFDS, the company operating the ferry, has promptly informed the family about the unfortunate incident and is committed to providing them with the necessary support during this difficult time. In response to the accident, DFDS has dispatched a specialized team to Rades to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

On November 12, 2014, a serious workplace incident occurred at the cargo deck of the 'Botnia Seaways' ferry, where a 29-year-old longshoreman sustained critical injuries during loading operations at approximately 11 a.m. The accident transpired when the driver of a tugmaster, responsible for maneuvering a trailer loaded with a heavy container, likely failed to notice the longshoreman, resulting in him being pinned beneath the trailer. The worker was severely injured in the abdomen and leg area, and tragically, he was dragged several meters before the process was halted. Following the accident, he was promptly transported to the Central University Hospital Kiel for emergency surgery. In the aftermath, the fire brigade, alongside a crisis intervention team, provided support to the driver and loading crew, who were visibly shaken by the event. The water police station in Kiel swiftly initiated an investigation to determine the cause of this unfortunate incident. As a result of the accident, loading operations were temporarily suspended for nearly two hours; however, the activities resumed around noon, leading to a delay in the vessel's scheduled departure to St. Petersburg later that evening.