Working Conditions Aboard the World-Prize

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is currently probing the unfortunate incident involving the bulk carrier 'World Prize', which resulted in the drowning of a crew member off the coast of Skelleftehamn. The fatal accident occurred while the sailor was assisting with preparations for the departure of the Swedish pilot, an operation that required crew members to step over the ship's railing. The 'World Prize' departed Skelleftehamn on October 14 and successfully reached its destination in Klaipeda on October 22. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding this tragedy to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.

On October 14, 2025, a crew member aboard the 'World Prize' tragically fell overboard while the vessel was traveling from Mäntyluoto to Rostock. The incident occurred approximately 6.5 kilometers from Skellefteå in the Gulf of Bothnia, where the frigid waters measured just five degrees Celsius amid near-freezing weather conditions. The Swedish Maritime Administration's Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) received the distress alert at 8:41 a.m. and promptly initiated a search and rescue (SAR) operation. The coordinated effort involved multiple agencies, with the participation of a pilot boat, the Swedish Sea Rescue Society, a rescue helicopter from Umeå, and two merchant vessels. Despite more than two hours of intensive searching, only a helmet believed to belong to the missing crew member was discovered, with no signs of the individual. At 10:57 a.m., rescuers concluded that the chances of locating the missing man alive were minimal, resulting in the suspension of active search operations. The 'World Prize' subsequently anchored near Skelleftehamn at coordinates 64° 40' N 021° 27' E and remained in place as of October 15. It has come to light that the missing crew member was a national of a non-European country, prompting the filing of a report concerning a violation of the Work Environment Act. In an ongoing investigation, local police boarded the vessel to interview the crew. On October 15, authorities also began underwater diving operations at the incident site, in their continued efforts to gather evidence and understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. For further details, view the complete report with video coverage: https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/vasterbotten/person-har-fallit-fran-fartyg-utanfor-skelleftehamn.