The Sten-Baltic: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On October 23, 2014, the tanker 'Sten Baltic' encountered a significant engine malfunction while navigating near Varlaxudden. The distress call was initiated around 1 p.m. when it was reported that the vessel's steering mechanism had failed, causing it to veer off course, away from the designated fairway. At the time, the 'Sten Baltic' was traveling from Sköldvikhamnen to Riga, and had inadvertently headed toward the Lars Cut area. Following the engine failure, the vessel was able to anchor south of Emäsalo. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) promptly dispatched the Coast Guard patrol boats from both Porvoo and Helsinki to assist in the situation. The coast guard vessel 'Tursas' was tasked with monitoring the tanker, with a pilot boat also dispatched to the scene. After approximately 40 minutes of repairs, the 'Sten Baltic' successfully restarted its engine and resumed its journey by 1:40 p.m. Coast guard and pilot vessels provided consistent escort support as the tanker made its way to Kalbådagrunds anchorage for further inspection. This incident highlights the importance of rapid response and coordination in maritime safety procedures.

On January 28, 2012, at approximately 05:50 AM, the tanker 'Sten Baltic' ran aground in the embankment of the Kiel Canal at kilometer marker 35.5 near Fischerhütte. The vessel was traveling westbound, en route from Ventspils to Amsterdam with a cargo of diesel fuel. The grounding resulted from an operational error that caused a loss of propulsion, leaving the tanker without engine and rudder power. Fortunately, after about an hour, the crew successfully restored power to the vessel, allowing it to back away from the embankment. By 8:45 AM, 'Sten Baltic' reached Brunsbüttel Ostermoor, where it underwent inspections by German Lloyd. Thankfully, no significant damage was identified, and the ship was cleared to continue its journey by 2:30 PM. The tanker subsequently anchored off Ijmuiden at around 4:30 PM on January 29.