Working Conditions Aboard the Sterna

On June 13, 2023, the 'Sterna' (IMO: 8685713) was temporarily taken out of service, prompting the immediate deployment of two ferries, 'Falco' and 'Replot 2', to ensure normal operations were maintained. A new pontoon was successfully installed at 8 a.m., allowing the ferry route to resume as scheduled. Additionally, the 'Odil' was expected to join the fleet later in the day, further bolstering services during the crucial midsummer travel period overseen by Finnferries. The 'Sterna' sustained damage to its flap attachment, and the timeline for repairs remains undetermined. Initial reports indicate that the vessel may not have docked in time, but further investigations will follow standard procedures to ascertain the circumstances. For more information and visuals, refer to the Swedish report here: https://svenska.yle.fi/artikel/2017/06/13/midsommartrafiken-borde-fungera-utan-problem.

On June 12, 2017, at approximately 3 p.m., the ferry 'Sterna' (IMO: 1234567, 1100 gt) collided with the pontoon at the ferry terminal in Lillmälö, located in Pargas. This collision resulted in significant damage to the shore-side ramp, preventing the disembarkation of 16 vehicles aboard the ferry. A total of 21 passengers were safely evacuated by 6 p.m., with some receiving medical evaluations and later being offered refreshments including beverages and snacks. In response to the incident, substitute ferries 'Falco', 'Odil', and 'Replot 2' were deployed to service the Pargas - Nagu route. The Transport Safety Agency promptly dispatched inspectors to the scene, while divers were engaged to assess the underwater conditions. Efforts were focused on stabilizing the damaged pontoon to facilitate the safe release of the 'Sterna', allowing it to reverse towards the adjacent terminal to unload the stranded vehicles later that evening. For more detailed coverage and visuals, view the Swedish report here: [Svenska YLE](https://svenska.yle.fi/artikel/2017/06/12/sterna-korde-mot-ponton-vid-farjfaste-flera-fordon-fast-pa-pargasfarjan) and [Svenska YLE](https://svenska.yle.fi/artikel/2017/06/12/farjan-korde-i-land-med-en-forskracklig-fart-aldrig-varit-med-om-nagot-liknande).