Photos

In the early morning of Feb 24 (02:30) the cargo ship “Sternö” (76 m,1300 GT, built 1970) went aground at the locks at Lilla Edet on the Göta älv River. ("Göta Älv River" drains lake Vänern into the Kattegat, at the city of Gothenburg, on the western coast of Sweden

Nobody was hurt in the incident but the ship took in water through a hole in the hull and is listing severely.

During the day divers repeatedly investigated the wreck's hull and its position on the bottom. They also closed open doors inside, and in the afternoon the Coastguard was asked to assist with the draining of water from the ship. The Coast Guard had resources on standby during the evening and night to possibly assist the emergency services when necessary. Efforts to pump out the water and the salvage operation could take a long time.

On Saturday Feb 25 he the insurance company considered that the disabled vessel is stable and secured at the pier near the lock, and has allowed that ships can pass without water pressure and currents impairing the situation.

Six ships are waiting in the Trollhättan Canal and in the ports of lake Vänern for their southbound transit to Gothenburg. To make things worse, in the morning of Feb 27 the Trollhättan Canal will be closed to traffic since a bridge construction will begin in Gothenburg. The closure will last almost the entire next week, and therefore it is very important that the waiting vessels can reach open water.

On Feb 25 the Swedish Maritime Administration at first allowed the ship “Naven” to pass. Later in the afternoon also the “Birthe Bres” passed the disabled “Sternö”. The remaining four ships may pass the crash site on Feb 26.