Title: Ferry Traffic to Port Stopped as Ship Breaks Free Due to Storm Babet
Subtitle: Over 700 Passengers Stranded on Stena Vessels
Date: [Current Date]
Fredrikshamn Port, Denmark – In a dramatic turn of events, the 332-meter long ship Zafiro Producer broke away from the quay on Friday evening, caused by the severe storm Babet. The incident has led to the temporary suspension of ferry traffic to the port, affecting two Stena Line vessels, Stena Danica and Stena Jutlandica.
With a total of 740 passengers on board, 583 on Danica and 157 on Jutlandica, the stranded passengers faced an unexpected delay and were unable to disembark. However, as of half past two, Stena Line announced that they have received clearance for their ferries to commence operations.
“The captain of Stena Jutlandica has now been given the go-ahead to leave and will be delayed a total of six hours. Stena Danica will soon be able to dock in port and will be about four hours late,” said Julia Branting, press spokesperson for Stena Line.
While the boats are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, the rocking of the ships amidst the storm has understandably affected passengers’ comfort. Despite this, Branting reassures that the vessels’ structural integrity remains intact.
In the effort to retrieve the Zafiro Producer, three tugboats have been dispatched to assist in the operation. However, the extent and possible ramifications of the incident are yet to be determined.
“The focus is now on limiting the damage. We have decided, in consultation with the captains of Stena Line’s ferries and the port pilots, to suspend traffic to and from the port until the situation with the Zafiro Producer is deemed safe,” stated port director Mikkel Seedorff Sørensen.
He further emphasized that the decision was made with the safety of the ferry passengers in mind.
As the situation unfolds, the Danish side has requested assistance from Sweden to handle the port’s operations during this challenging period.
For more information on how GP works with quality journalism and to read our ethical rules, visit our website.
[End of Article]