Working Conditions Aboard the Finnswan

On the night of December 17, 2025, a critical medical situation unfolded aboard the ferry 'Finnswan' while it was navigating the waters between Malmö and Travemünde. A 53-year-old male passenger fell seriously ill, prompting the Swedish Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to reach out to the MRCC in Bremen for urgent assistance. In response, the lifeboat 'Arkona,' operated by the German Society for Rescue of Shipwrecked People (DGzRS) stationed in Warnemünde, was deployed. With an emergency physician and a paramedic onboard, the rescue team set sail towards the 'Finnswan,' which altered its course from Travemünde to rendezvous with the lifeboat. Approximately five nautical miles off the coast of Warnemünde, the 'Arkona' successfully approached the ferry, positioning itself just west of the Rostock approach buoy. In favorable weather conditions, characterized by relatively calm seas and a south-southwest wind at Force 3, the patient transfer was executed seamlessly. Following the transfer, the MRCC Bremen coordinated an ambulance to meet the lifeboat at the dock. The patient was handed over to the shore-based emergency medical service for prompt transportation to the hospital, ensuring he received the necessary care as quickly as possible.

On November 13 at 12:48 p.m., a significant near-collision incident took place in the narrow fairway between Korpo and Norrsata involving the ferries 'Finnswan' and 'Mergus' (IMO: 8324517). The two vessels came alarmingly close to each other, with only a mere ten meters separating them during the event. The 'Mergus', traveling from Norrskata to Korpo, had limited space to maneuver when it found itself nearly colliding with the 'Finnswan', which was en route from Naantali to Kapellskär. In a swift reaction, the crew of 'Mergus' executed a maneuver known as a cow turn, allowing the vessel to make a full circle to avoid disaster. At the time, 'Mergus' was carrying three crew members and two passengers, while 'Finnswan' had a total of 82 passengers and 38 crew members on board. Fortunately, both ferries were able to resume their respective journeys after the incident. Following the near miss, both Finferries and Finnlines promptly reported the occurrence to the appropriate authorities, prompting an investigation to try and understand the factors that led to the event. An internal review was initiated within the crew, and a meeting has been scheduled with Finnlines to further discuss the matter. This is not the first time that the 'Mergus' has experienced a close call; a similar incident occurred on a foggy summer night in 1997 when the vessel collided with the ferry 'Finnmaid'. Although both ships sustained minor damage, there were no injuries reported. The investigation continues as authorities seek to ensure the safety of maritime operations in the area.

On November 13, 2019, at 12:48 p.m., a harrowing near-miss occurred in Finnish waters involving two ferries, the 'Finnswan' and 'Mergus'. The incident unfolded between Korpo and Norrsata, where the two vessels came perilously close, barely 30 to 40 meters apart. The 'Mergus', which had just departed Norrska dock, was en route to Korppoo, a trip that typically crosses a bustling shipping lane and takes approximately fifteen minutes. Simultaneously, the 'Finnswan' was making its journey from Naantali to Kapellskär. Thanks to quick thinking and swift maneuvers from both crews, a potential collision was averted. The 'Mergus' executed a critical maneuver known as a 'cow turn', performing a complete rotation to evade disaster. At the time, the 'Mergus' had three crew members and two passengers on board, while the 'Finnswan' was operating with 82 passengers and 38 crew members. Following the close encounter, both ferries resumed their respective voyages. An internal investigation commenced immediately, with discussions planned with Finnlines to better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. Importantly, as the 'Mergus' approached from the right, it was considered the privileged vessel in this encounter.

The ferry formerly known as 'Nordlink' has officially been rebranded and is now operating under the name 'Finnswan'. This vessel recently commenced service on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route. The transition follows last week's acquisition of the 'Europalink', which has led to a strategic reshuffling within the Finnlines fleet. As part of this operational change, 'Finnswan' will depart from the Malmö–Travemünde route by the end of April 2018, making way for the new service. On February 5, the vessel changed its name and now proudly sails under the Finnish flag.