Viking Line Cancels Many Departures Due to Baltic Ice

Reports are showing that as many as 50 vessels have been trapped in ice in the Baltic Sea. A number of these ships have unfortunately been passenger ferries, which have left people stranded. Many of these ships were simply trying to navigate from Finland to Sweden.

Ice-breaking vessels from both of the nations have arrived on the scene and were attempting to free the ships that were stuck in the ice. Some of the vessels had already been trapped there for several days. Some of the ferries that are stuck with passengers on board include ferries operated by Viking Lines, Anedin Lines and Tallink. Of course, the passengers on board have been offered free food and alcohol while they await rescue .Due to the ice, Viking Line has actually had to cancel a number of their departures. In light of this information, it is very likely that many other carriers are soon expected to follow the same move. Johnny Lindvall, the head of the ice-breaking unit at the Swedish Maritime Administration, said that this is the worst ice cover that they have seen since 1996. Mr Lindvall also added that the ice would not usually be a problem for merchant ships. Winds of approximately 20 meters per second are moving ice quickly across the water. This is creating ridges and making passage very difficult. It still remains unclear just how long these ships will be stuck in the sea. On top of this, it also remains unclear just how long Viking Line will have to cancel their routes through this area and when other companies will do the same. Until boats can safely pass through this area, people will have to make travel arrangements a different way.