Kbv-033 Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On January 23, the Swedish Coast Guard made significant progress in recovering oil from the sunken ro-ro ferry "Finnbirch" (IMO-No. 7528609), which sank between Öland and Gotland. Specially equipped Coast Guard vessel "KBV 033" successfully pumped approximately 500 liters of diesel oil from a custom-built collection container positioned above the wreck. This recent extraction marks a total of over 600 liters of oil prevented from seeping into the Baltic Sea. The operation utilizes an innovative upside-down container placed over the leaking wreck, with a hose extended to the surface for efficient pumping and disposal. The Coast Guard plans to continuously monitor and empty this container until leakage is completely resolved. The Finnbirch wreck lies at a depth of 82 meters, with an estimated 80 cubic meters of diesel oil still trapped onboard. Discovery of the leak first occurred in mid-December 2019 during a routine flight by a Coast Guard aircraft, prompting ongoing recovery efforts. For detailed updates and visuals of the operation, visit the official Coast Guard report: https://www.kustbevakningen.se/hallbar-havsmiljo/nyhetsarkiv/vrak-lacker-olja-oster-om-oland/

On September 12, 2015, the former survey vessel 'Altair', a 148 gross ton ship flying the Mexican flag (IMO: 7338339), began taking on water while operating southeast of Gotland. The Swedish Coast Guard's patrol boat 'KBV 033' responded to the emergency and managed to reach the distressed ship by the afternoon. Although the crew deployed an additional anchor and activated the bilge pumps in an attempt to stabilize the vessel, the situation deteriorated, and the 'Altair' ultimately sank on September 13 into a depth of eight meters, approximately two miles off Gotland's southeastern shore. The ship's masts could still be seen above the water at the time of sinking. It was reported that the 'Altair' contained 1.2 cubic meters of diesel fuel onboard. Efforts by the Coast Guard to tow the vessel closer to the shore were hindered by its poor condition, prompting the evacuation of all five crew members for safety. Before the ship's final plunge, the Coast Guard successfully sealed the exhausts to prevent fuel leakage during the sinking process. In a coordinated rescue effort, the crew was picked up by a lifeboat from Fårösund and a helicopter from Ronneby at noon on the same day the vessel started flooding. The incident raised concerns about maritime safety, and the Coast Guard planned to dispatch divers to assess whether it would be possible to recover the remaining oil. For further details, refer to Swedish news sources featuring related photographs and reports: [Helagotland](http://www.helagotland.se/blaljus/livraddningen-ar-avslutad-12019088.aspx) and [Kustbevakningen](http://www.kustbevakningen.se/sv/media/vakthavande-befal-rapporterar/fartyg-sydost-gotland-sjonk/).

On the morning of September 12, 2015, the Swedish Coast Guard was alerted to a distress situation involving the former survey vessel 'Altair' (IMO: 7338339), a 148 gross tonnage ship flying the Mexican flag. Located approximately four kilometers south-east of Gotland, near Fide, the vessel began taking on water, prompting immediate action. The 'KBV 033', an environmental protection vessel from Oskarshamn, along with the 'KBV 313' from Oxelösund, were dispatched at 10:40 AM to render assistance. The first unit was expected to arrive later that afternoon. Complicating matters, the Altair's engine failed, and its onboard pumps ceased working, putting the five crew members at further risk. With 1,200 liters of diesel fuel aboard, the situation became increasingly critical. The Altair was en route from Stockholm to a shipyard in Klaipeda for repairs. As a precaution, the crew donned life jackets and began preparing two life rafts. Wind conditions at the scene were reported at 7 m/s. Additionally, the helicopter Lifeguard 002 was deployed with extra pumping equipment, supported by the Sea Rescue Society and the Rescue Fårösund team, alongside local police. For detailed reports and images, visit the official Swedish Coast Guard website.