What Crew Members Say About Tinker-Bell

The 'Tinker Bell' ferry has been grounded in Trelleborg following a significant safety incident where it collided with the 'Skåne', which was docked at the quay. The Swedish Transport Agency (STA) has revealed that the ferry, which recently departed from a shipyard in Klaipeda, was unfit for sailing at the time of the allision. As of March 23, the vessel has remained idle for ten days as a result of the STA's operating ban. This suspension comes after inspectors identified numerous serious deficiencies regarding technology and safety protocols. Among the 13 violations cited, critical issues were found with fire protection systems and emergency power sources. Moreover, the STA raised alarms over the inadequate maintenance and inspection of life-saving devices, highlighting four specific deficiencies related to environmental standards and working conditions on board. These shortcomings included notable risks to health and safety, accident prevention, and the quality of accommodation and leisure facilities for the crew, ultimately leading to the prohibition of the ferry's operations under the Ship Safety Act. For those interested, photographs of the 'Skåne' from March 19 in Warnemünde can be viewed here: [Photo 1](https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3950330?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest), [Photo 2](https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3950329?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest), [Photo 3](https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3950328?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest).

The Stena Line ferry known as "Skåne" resumed operations on March 13, following a significant incident that left its bow dented. As of March 17, the future of the TT-Line ferry "Tinker Bell" remained uncertain, sitting idle in Trelleborg. Despite its condition, authorities found no safety-related issues affecting the Skåne during their inquiries, which included thorough investigations by both maritime authorities and the classification society. Notably, the "Tinker Bell" had recently completed repairs at a shipyard in Klaipėda, Lithuania, and was devoid of passengers at the time of the incident; it was meant to operate on the route between Trelleborg and Travemünde. Swedish authorities are currently examining the details surrounding the collision, analyzing the status of both ferries, including conducting divers' hull inspections. Early reports suggest that a malfunction in the steering system of the Tinker Bell may have been responsible for the allision. For more insights and images regarding the incident, refer to the full report by Nordkurier and relevant social media updates.

On March 11, 2026, at 1:30 PM, a serious allision occurred in Trelleborg's busy port area involving two ferries: the 'Skåne' and the 'Tinker Bell.' The rescue services were immediately alerted to the incident, and the Coast Guard was en route to assist. The 'Skåne,' which had arrived from Rostock, was securely moored at the quay when it was unexpectedly struck by the 'Tinker Bell.' This vessel had just come from Klaipeda following maintenance when it lost steering control and collided with the port side bow of the 'Skåne.' Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or oil spillage from the accident. However, 'Skåne' sustained significant damage to its bow above the waterline. Divers have since been deployed to evaluate any potential harm beneath the surface. By 4:30 PM, all passengers and vehicles onboard the 'Skåne' were safely evacuated. Initial investigations suggest that a technical malfunction aboard the 'Tinker Bell' led to the loss of steering control, the precise circumstances of which are currently being probed. Both vessels remained stationary in the Trelleborg harbor as of March 12. TT-Line is actively cooperating with local authorities and port representatives to resolve the situation. Additional reports, along with photos and videos of the incident, can be found through several local news outlets.

On June 26, 2022, a dramatic incident unfolded as a 27-year-old man jumped overboard from the 'Peter Pan' ferry while it was nearing the port of Szczecin. Quick to respond, the crew of the motorboat 'Magda' successfully rescued him from the water. Following the rescue, the individual was swiftly transported via ambulance to the Władysław IV wharf located near the Harbor Master's Office. Once there, he received immediate medical attention from an emergency medical team before being transferred to the hospital for further observation. Reports indicate that the man was intoxicated at the time of the jump. However, the Maritime Office in Szczecin has confirmed that they are not pursuing any proceedings related to this incident.

On the morning of August 16, 2019, a hazardous leak of iron chloride occurred from a tank truck aboard the ferry 'Peter Pan', shortly after its arrival at the Trelleborg port from Travemünde. The incident was first detected by a vigilant crew member on routine watch who noticed fluid escaping from the tank. The exact volume of the leak remains undetermined. Immediate remediation efforts were initiated by the ferry's onboard staff before being handed over to the Trelleborg rescue service, which dispatched two units to address the situation. In addition to local responders, specialized chemical units were called in from various locations to assist in the cleanup. National resources for hazardous material management were also deployed to the site, with operations anticipated to last several hours. Meanwhile, a replacement tank truck was en route to transfer the remaining iron chloride from the damaged vehicle. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in conjunction with the spill, and all 159 passengers, along with 112 truck drivers, were safely evacuated from the ferry. The 'Peter Pan' resumed its journey from Trelleborg at 3:15 p.m., arriving back in Travemünde by 11:15 p.m. For further details, you can view Swedish reports with images here: [SVT News](https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/skane/jarnklorid-lacker-fran-lastbil-pa-farja-i-trelleborg) and [GP News](https://www.gp.se/nyheter/sverige/fr%C3%A4tande-%C3%A4mne-l%C3%A4cker-p%C3%A5-f%C3%A4rja-1.17192463).

A fire incident aboard the 'Peter Pan' ferry disrupted operations on July 9, 2019, at 6 p.m. The blaze ignited in the engine room due to mechanical failure in one of the five diesel generators. Fortunately, the vessel's onboard fire suppression systems managed to extinguish the fire by 6:30 p.m., limiting damage to the engine room area. At the time of the incident, the ferry was approximately 5-6 nautical miles northeast of Travemünde, en route from Rostock to Trelleborg with 271 passengers and 51 crew members on board. Despite the rapid response to the fire, the vessel's main engine failed thereafter, prompting the assistance of two tugs, which arrived around midnight. By 2:30 a.m. on June 10, the 'Peter Pan' was safely docked at Scandinavia Quay in Travemünde. All passengers were unharmed and disembarked without incident. Those without vehicles were provided hotel accommodations in Travemünde by TT Line, while others continued their journey. Passengers scheduled to travel on the ferry on July 11 were redirected to alternative vessels. The 'Peter Pan' remained at port until July 12, pending an assessment of the damage. In the wake of this event, the water police in Travemünde initiated an investigation. The ferry finally returned to service on July 21, departing from Scandinavia Quay at 10:10 p.m. and arriving in Trelleborg at 7:30 a.m. on July 22.