Watch Officer From Grounded Turkish Bulker Charged
Deck Officer Charged After Bulker Grounding in Sweden
A deck officer from the bulk carrier Ali Aykin faces serious charges of gross negligence following the vessel’s grounding off the coast of Sweden last month. Prosecutors allege that the officer was distracted by his cell phone and failed to use an operable sonar depth sounder while navigating. The incident has raised significant concerns about maritime safety and operational protocols.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
On May 25, the bulk carrier Ali Aykin was en route from Gdansk, Poland, to Setubal, Portugal, when it encountered trouble in the Øresund Strait. In the early hours of the morning, around 12:15 AM, the vessel missed the entrance to the shipping channel and veered northwest. By 1:00 AM, it ran aground on a charted shoal located south of the Øresund Bridge.
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The ship was carrying approximately 18,000 gallons of diesel fuel, prompting urgent action from Swedish authorities to refloat and remove the vessel to prevent any environmental hazards. Complications arose due to flooding in one of the ballast tanks, which hindered salvage efforts. However, on the night of June 4-5, salvage tugs successfully pulled the Ali Aykin off the shoal and escorted it to a nearby port for safety.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following the grounding, the watch officer on duty at the time has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence in maritime traffic. Prosecutors have detailed the charges, stating that the officer was navigating without a lookout and without a functioning sonar depth sounder. Furthermore, they allege that he was using his cell phone during the critical moments leading up to the grounding. The officer has denied the allegations, and the case is expected to draw significant attention as it unfolds.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding navigational safety and the responsibilities of maritime personnel. As investigations continue, authorities are likely to review operational protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
