C9/1998M Ms CHRISTA, grounding off Kotka, November 23, 1998

General cargo ship ms CHRISTA, owned by Trochus Shipping from Cyprus, grounded on her way from Halla harbour to Kotka. The grounding took place at a turn to the new fairway, which is a shortcut to the Strait of Ruotsinsalmi.

The vessel departed from the harbour shortly after midnight with a cargo of cellulose. Visibility was good and the southwestern wind was blowing at 18 m/s. The positioning for the wheel-over-point was made mainly using visual observations from the spar buoys and the illuminated ice buoys. The turn to the fairway was initiated too late. The vessel went east of the fairway and she grounded at 00.45. At the time of the accident the bridge was occupied by the master, pilot and first mate.

The checking of the damage was started immediately and the pilot informed the pilot station about the grounding. The coast guard came to the vessel gave permission to remove it from the shoal when no oil leak had been detected. The vessel was floated off the shoal at about 02.25 and she continued her voyage to Kotka. A diver inspected her and confirmed that there were no leaks. CHRISTA remained in Kotka for loading and continued her voyage after that.

No maritime declaration was given on the case and when the vessel next time returned to Finland both the owner and the crew had changed.

C9/1998M Report (pdf, 1.17 Mt)