What Crew Members Say About Victoria-Seaways

Following a fire that erupted aboard the 'Victoria Seaways' due to a truck igniting on April 23 off the coast of Bornholm, teams are diligently investigating the cause. Meanwhile, repair operations are already underway at Klaipeda Port, with the vessel expected to resume its services on April 28. This minor hiccup will only affect two of its scheduled round trips between Kiel and Klaipeda. To ensure continuity in cargo transport during this period, the British cargo ferry 'Corrona Seaways' (IMO: 9357597) has been deployed as a temporary replacement. For further visuals and a detailed account, you can check the Danish report with accompanying photos at http://www.maritimedanmark.dk/?Id=18682.

In the early hours of April 23, 2013, a fire erupted on the DFDS ferry 'Victoria Seaways' while navigating the waters near Bornholm, en route from Kiel to Klaipeda. The blaze was first detected at approximately 12:52 a.m., about 22 nautical miles from Nexø. The crew promptly activated the fire extinguishing system and swiftly gained control of the situation. Passengers were promptly assembled at designated safety zones in preparation for potential evacuation. About an hour later, the fire was successfully contained, allowing the vessel to resume its journey to Klaipeda, where it was expected to dock at 12:30 a.m. Onboard were 301 passengers and 37 crew members, alongside a cargo comprising 160 trailers, containers, trucks, 48 cars, and two buses. The main deck, which serves as a closed vehicle deck, was the only area affected by the incident, and initial assessments indicated some damage to cargo units. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the extent of the damage to goods and vehicles will be conducted once the cargo has been fully unloaded. Consequently, the scheduled return trip to Kiel was canceled as a precautionary measure. For more detailed information, refer to the German report with accompanying images available at: http://www.mv-online.de/Region-Rheine/Rheine/Brand-auf-Ostseefaehre-verlaeuft-glimpflich-Auch-die-Litauenhilfe-hatte-vor-zweieinhalb-Jahren-ein-aehnliches-Erlebnis-Osteuropahilfe-geraet-in-Seenot.

On October 18, 2012, an urgent medical evacuation took place off the coast of Fehmarn, Germany, involving the 'Victoria Seaways,' which was en route from Klaipeda to Kiel. At approximately noon, an 18-year-old passenger on board faced a critical health crisis, prompting immediate action from the ferry crew. Instead of waiting for the scheduled arrival in Kiel at 4 p.m., the crew alerted the German Maritime Search and Rescue Association (DGzRS) about the emergency. Coincidentally, a Super-Puma helicopter operated by the Federal Police Bad Bramstedt was conducting a surveillance mission in the area. Upon receiving notification from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Bremen, the helicopter crew swiftly suspended their current operation and redirected to reach the stranded ferry, which was located east of Fehmarn. Following the rapid response, the patient was successfully airlifted and transported to a hospital in Lübeck for urgent medical attention. Meanwhile, the 'Victoria Seaways' continued on its planned route and arrived in Kiel as scheduled at 4 p.m., ensuring all other passengers remained safe and unaffected by the emergency situation.