Working Conditions Aboard the Viking-Glory

In a distressing incident that unfolded in December 2024, a 29-year-old man has been convicted of attempted sabotage after igniting a fire on the ferry 'Viking Glory', which was carrying over 1,000 passengers at the time. The man started the blaze by setting fire to a garbage can located inside a closed restaurant on the vessel. Surveillance footage captured the act, and the fire was not discovered until crew members noticed a burnt odor emanating from the area. Fortunately, the fire extinguished itself before it could spread, but the Åland District Court determined that the man's actions posed a significant risk to the safety and health of those on board. The court commented, 'It was more likely a coincidence that there was not enough flammable material in the garbage can, allowing the fire to snuff itself out. A fire could have easily taken hold between routine fire surveillance rounds.' After the incident, the man was apprehended by crew members later that evening. During the legal proceedings, he admitted to committing the offense but claimed he had no recollection of his actions due to heavy intoxication. He was attending a Christmas party on board at the time. The Åland District Court sentenced him to six months of suspended imprisonment and mandated that he pay a victim surcharge as well as reimburse the government for the expenses related to a witness examination.

Viking Line has announced the detection of heightened levels of legionella bacteria in two of the pools located in the spa area of its cruise ship, the 'Viking Glory'. Fortunately, the Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has reported that there are no known infections connected to the ship's passengers or crew. The elevated bacteria levels were identified during routine water quality testing, despite the ship’s operations remaining normal on its routes between Turku, Åland, and Stockholm. In response to the situation, the spa facilities have been temporarily closed as a precaution, and extensive cleaning efforts are currently in progress. It is anticipated that the spa will remain closed for at least a week while thorough investigations are conducted to determine how the bacteria may have entered the ship's water system. The pools have been fully drained and are undergoing daily sanitation processes. Before the spa can reopen to guests, additional control samples will be taken to ensure the safety of the water.

On November 7, 2023, at approximately 9:15 PM, the cruise ship 'Viking Glory' made an unexpected stop in the picturesque Mjölkö region of the Stockholm archipelago while en route from Stockholm to Långnäs. A passenger aboard the vessel experienced a medical emergency, necessitating a swift evacuation. A nearby lifeboat was dispatched to the scene, successfully retrieving the ill passenger and transporting them to shore for immediate medical care. Following the medevac operation, 'Viking Glory' resumed its journey, making its way towards Långnäs before continuing to Turku, where it docked on November 9 at 7:15 AM UTC.

Health authorities have issued a warning following the revelation that a traveler infected with measles journeyed aboard the 'Viking Glory' ferry. The vessel, which set sail from Turku to Stockholm on August 6, 2023, carried approximately 3,500 passengers, including around 2,000 individuals from Sweden. In response to this situation, both the Public Health Agency and Viking Line have reached out to those on board via email, urging vigilance for any symptoms associated with measles. Passengers exhibiting signs of illness are advised to contact healthcare services using the number 1177, emphasizing the importance of not visiting medical facilities or waiting rooms without prior notification. This precaution is vital to prevent further spread of the infection among the public.