C15/1997M General Cargo Vessel ms MARIE LEHMANN, Grounding on the Fairway to Tammisaari on 21.11.1997

The German cargo ship ms MARIE LEHMANN, operated by Hans Lehman KG, run aground in the Sound of Vitsand south of Tammisaari en route from Pohjankuru to Klaipeda on 21st November 1997.

She sailed in ballast from Pohjankuru at 21.36 hours. In the bridge there were the Master, Pilot and a look-out. Tammisaari bridges were passed by at a slow speed. The position of the spar-buoys was checked with a searchlight on the narrowest parts of the fairway. Two radars were used.

When she passed Kavelholm Island the pilot asked to reduce the speed to 6-7 knots. This was done. The Master headed the vessel to the Odensö Light in white sector. When the red buoy of Vitsand was by her side the Pilot ordered a turn to starboard. Only after a few seconds the Pilot asked more rudder. At the same moment the vessel stranded close to the Odensö light at 22.55 hours.

There was no other traffic disturbing during the voyage.

C15/1997M Report (pdf, 0.36 Mt)