Working Conditions Aboard the Tom-Sawyer

A significant fire incident occurred aboard the ferry 'Tom Sawyer' on May 8, 2026, at berth 53 in the Rostock overseas port. The Rostock fire department sprang into action at 7:50 a.m., with fire crews from professional fire stations 1, 2, and 3, as well as volunteer firefighters from Groß Klein, Gehlsdorf, and Rostocker Heide, responding promptly to the emergency call. Initial investigations indicated a technical malfunction in the vessel's exhaust system, which led to an unexpected oil leak when a crew member opened a hatch. This situation ignited a smoldering fire. Fortunately, the employee suffered only minor injuries from hot oil and was assessed by paramedics on the scene. Around 50 firefighters commenced operations aboard the 'Tom Sawyer' shortly after the fire was detected, successfully extinguishing the flames during the first response. As the emergency unfolded, additional firefighting units from across Rostock arrived to reinforce efforts, ensuring that all areas of the ferry were inspected to prevent the fire's escalation. A secondary fire was reported in another shaft within the engine room, while other fires broke out on various decks, including a blaze in a store located on deck 3. The firefighting operation officially concluded at 11:26 a.m. Due to the incident, the ferry's scheduled departure to Trelleborg was canceled, and as of May 11, the 'Tom Sawyer' remained docked in Rostock. For detailed coverage, including photos and audio, visit the report here: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/mecklenburgvorpommern/rostocker-ueberseehafen-brand-auf-faehre-ausgebrochen,schwedenfaehre-100.html.

On September 14, 2017, an urgent medical situation unfolded aboard the ferry 'Tom Sawyer,' which was sailing from Travemünde to Trelleborg, roughly 18 miles northeast of Travemünde. A German truck driver experienced severe abdominal pain, prompting immediate action. The lifeboat 'Berlin,' currently conducting an exercise that involved a helicopter, swiftly notified a medical professional and diverted back to Laboe to pick him up. Meanwhile, the waiting helicopter, also part of the exercise, maintained its position over the Kiel Fjord. Once the doctor was on board, he was airlifted to the 'Tom Sawyer' and arrived within half an hour of the initial alert to commence treatment. Following the medical intervention, both the patient and the doctor were lifted back to safety and transported to the university hospital in Travemünde for further care. Later that evening, the helicopter reunited with the 'Berlin' to return the doctor. This decisive response showcases the efficiency of emergency maritime operations. For additional details and photographs, visit the German report here: https://www.seenotretter.de/aktuelles/seenotfaelle/ansicht/news/rendezvous-ueber-see-aus-uebung-wird-ernstfall/