The Stettin: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On August 11, 2025, shortly after the conclusion of the popular Hanse Sail festival, the schooner "Großherzogin Elisabeth" encountered an unfortunate incident as it ran aground near Langenort right after departing from Rostock's fishing harbour. The specific cause of the grounding remains under investigation. Fortunately, the vessel was successfully towed free by local sea rescuers in conjunction with the buoy tender "Grömitz," and it was safely escorted back to its berth. All 53 passengers on board reported no injuries or immediate danger. In a related incident, the vessel "Stettin" suffered damage when strong winds caused it to collide with the quay at Haedge peninsula during a turning maneuver. Authorities have yet to determine the full extent of the damage to the bow and the sheet pile wall.

After a lengthy wait of over two and a half years following its incident with the ferry 'Finnsky' on August 12, 2017, the icebreaker 'Stettin' has finally begun its extensive repair process. The vessel entered the Norder Yard in Hamburg on January 24, 2020, at 7 p.m. for the critical maintenance work it so desperately needed. Although drydocking was originally scheduled for that day, heavy fog caused delays, pushing the docking date to January 27. The repair project is expected to span approximately eight weeks. The 'Stettin' suffered a two-meter-long breach on its starboard side during the collision, fortunately above the waterline. Previously, a temporary fix involving a welded steel plate was implemented, but now the ship will be restored to its original condition using rivets. Additionally, this repair work will include repainting the hull and performing general maintenance checks. The overall cost for the repairs is anticipated to reach around one million Euros. Following the extensive repairs, the 'Stettin' will be ready to welcome visitors for tours during the Port Birthday celebrations in Hamburg this coming May, offering an exciting opportunity for maritime enthusiasts to explore the iconic vessel at its berth in Hamburg-Övelgönne.

On August 12, 2017, a dramatic incident unfolded in the German harbor of Rostock as the steam ice breaker 'Stettin' collided with the ferry 'Finnsky'. The accident occurred just before noon as the Stettin, ready to participate in the illustrious Hanse Sail parade, crashed into the port side stern of the Finnish vessel. At the time of the incident, the Stettin was carrying 180 passengers, who fortunately were not severely injured. However, ten individuals required medical attention following the accident. After the collision, the 'Finnsky', which had just arrived from Helsinki, docked safely at berth 60 while the Stettin sustained notable damage, resulting in a two-meter breach above the waterline. Subsequently, the ice breaker returned to the port for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this maritime mishap. For more detailed coverage, including photos and video footage, you can access the German report here: https://www.svz.de/lokales/rostock/faehre-reisst-der-stettin-den-rumpf-auf-id17551356.html.

On August 20, 2011, at approximately 2 p.m., the icebreaker 'Stettin' encountered a mishap when it collided with the stern of the Gibraltar-flagged cargo vessel 'Richelieu' (IMO: 9369526), weighing 2545 gt. The incident took place as 'Stettin' was preparing to moor in the northern lock of the Kiel Canal in Brunsbuettel. Fortunately, the icebreaker sustained minimal damage, whereas the stern of the 'Richelieu' sustained noticeable dents. Having departed from Hamburg earlier that day and en route to Kaliningrad, the 'Richelieu' subsequently docked at the railway pilings in Brunsbuettel for an investigation, which continued until 7:30 p.m. In contrast, the 'Stettin', which was also traveling from Hamburg with a destination of Rendsburg, was permitted to resume its journey just one hour after the collision. It successfully reached its destination and safely berthed in Rendsburg at 6:40 p.m.