The Meshka: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The grounding incident involving the vessel 'Meshka', now renamed 'Rahma', in the Öresund strait near Landskrona on May 31, 2025, highlights concerning trends in maritime navigation. According to a recent report by the Swedish Accident Investigation Board, this event occurred shortly before 10 a.m. as the ship traveled from Tarragona, Spain, to Vysotsk. The vessel had anchored east of Skagen the prior night to take on fuel and resumed its journey southward around 9:30 p.m. On the following day, it entered a critical traffic separation scheme between Helsingör and Helsingborg. The investigation revealed that the crew relied on an electronic chart and navigation system that was inadequately detailed for the Öresund waters, including only a small-scale chart cell. Consequently, the crew plotted a course that directly traversed a shallow region near Landskrona. Alarmingly, multiple seamarks along the route were absent from the onboard electronic navigational data, contributing to their navigational errors. As the vessel departed from its intended path into shallow waters, maritime traffic control only alerted the crew after it had already made the critical error, leading to an inevitable grounding. Fortunately, the grounding resulted in only minor damage. The 'Meshka' was subsequently refloated after ballast was discharged and the ship was towed, allowing it to continue its journey without further incidents. This incident marked the first passage of both the 'Meshka' and its crew through the Öresund strait, underscoring the heightened navigational challenges of this area. The accident was attributed to inadequate route planning, which left the ECDIS system deficient in relevant chart cells for the strait. The Swedish Accident Investigation Board emphasized that bridge officers lacked sufficient knowledge of the ECDIS system, including its limitations, and pointed out lapses in adhering to the vessel's navigation protocols. The investigation also noted shortcomings in teamwork on the bridge and the independent lookout's execution. In response to these findings, the Board strongly recommended that the ship owner ensure the crew members are adequately trained in the Safety Management System (SMS) and correctly follow the existing procedures and checklists. Furthermore, it urged the ECDIS manufacturer and chart suppliers to better communicate software limitations and ensure clarity when selecting chart cells for planned routes. The Swedish Transport Agency was also prompted to assess the need for international regulations requiring software improvements from chart suppliers.

In a recent ruling, the captain of the vessel formerly known as 'Meshka', now operating under the name 'Rahma', has been sentenced for maritime negligence following a grounding incident that occurred off Landskrone near Ven on May 31. The ship, laden with 938 tons of oil, was en route to the Russian port of Vysotsk when it ran aground. The captain received a hefty daily fine of 47,500 Swedish Crowns for his careless navigation of the ship. During the trial, he contended that the nautical chart data displayed in the ship's navigation system was incomplete, compromising his ability to maintain proper situational awareness. Nonetheless, he conceded that he lacked full knowledge of the vessel's position at critical moments and recognized that he should have identified the potential for disaster sooner. He acknowledged his role in the incident, admitting it was within his power to avert the grounding. Following the grounding, the ship underwent inspections at Öresund Drydocks Ship Repair Yard from June 7 to June 10. After necessary repairs, the 'Rahma' successfully reached its intended destination on June 14 and resumed its operations on July 18, setting sail for Dakar, where it ultimately arrived on July 10.

On the morning of June 7 at approximately 8 a.m., the bulk carrier 'Meshka' was successfully refloated by the tugs 'Svitzer Thor' (IMO: 9548366) and 'Frigga' (IMO: 9175250). The salvage operation commenced at 3 a.m. with the critical task of emptying the vessel's ballast tanks. Prior to refloating, both tugs were securely connected to the stern and bow of the 'Meshka'. By 8:30 a.m., the vessel was floating freely. Afterward, with the tugs' assistance, 'Meshka' was able to navigate under its own power towards Landskrona. During the entire salvage operation, pilots from the Swedish Maritime Administration and officials from the Coast Guard were on board to ensure safety. The entire process, including the voyage to the harbor, took just over eight hours and was carried out in favorable weather conditions under the supervision of the Coast Guard. Upon arrival, the bulk carrier was moored at the Öresund Drydocks Ship Repair Yard in Landskrona for thorough investigations and inspections. For more details, including exclusive photos, visit: https://www.kustbevakningen.se/nyheter/bargningen-av-meshka-avslutad/

On June 3, 2023, the Swedish Transport Agency officially received a salvage plan concerning the bulk carrier 'Meshka', which found itself aground off the coast of Landskrona. The vessel is anticipated to be salvaged this week, with utmost importance placed on safeguarding its fuel tanks from potential damage. The 'Meshka' was empty of cargo when it ran aground on May 31, 2023, while navigating en route to Vysotsk, Russia, and has been stuck since at coordinates 55° 52' N 012° 46' E. As part of the salvage operations, the patrol vessel 'KBV 001' (IMO: 9380441) has been dispatched to monitor the situation closely. For further details, including photographs, visit the report at the following link: https://www.nyteknik.se/farkost/brottsmisstanke-efter-grundstotning-i-oresund-inga-lackor-hittade/4366188?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKxMVxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhqseqy93B7GLSFusyLT00iX-bwzBYXhxrQmZaJ-nbHQezZuLbcPA8ovsCBR_aem_DhFr6b_2iYk0-7YtU4ukpw.

In a significant development on the night of June 4, the grounded vessel 'Ali Aykin' (IMO: 9166510) was successfully refloated and made its way to the port of Malmö, arriving shortly after midnight on June 5. The ship navigated to safety under its own power, thanks to the assistance of tugs and careful oversight from Swedish Coast Guard vessels. The entire journey to Malmö took approximately two hours and unfolded smoothly, with no signs of oil spills during the salvage operation or the transit. This successful refloating operation was made possible by the exceptional teamwork of multiple authorities and private entities, which effectively eliminated the environmental hazard in the Sound. However, a preliminary investigation into potential gross negligence related to maritime traffic is currently underway, spearheaded by prosecutors. The inquiry has resulted in one crew member being detained on suspicion of involvement. Meanwhile, efforts to mitigate environmental risks posed by the other stranded vessel, 'Meshka,' continues off Landskrona. The situation surrounding the 'Meshka' is being described as complex yet manageable, with proactive measures being implemented by the Coast Guard to prevent any adverse environmental impact. This vessel is reported to carry approximately 938 metric tons of oil in fuel and lubricating oils within its tanks. Authorities have deployed specialized vessels to the site to combat potential oil spills effectively. Monitoring efforts, including those by the patrol boat 'KBV 497' (MMSI: 266286001), are actively taking place as of June 5. For more detailed reports and images of the ongoing situation, interested parties can follow the news links below: - [Swedish Coast Guard News](https://www.kustbevakningen.se/nyheter/fartyg-pa-grund-soder-om-oresund/) - [Swedish Radio Coverage](https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/kustbevakningen-om-grundstotta-fartygen-oresund-ar-riskomrade) - [Landskrona Direct Update](https://www.landskronadirekt.com/2025/06/04/sa-ska-meshka-komma-loss-fran-grundet/)