Shipping Incident: CL Flanders Grounds Near Varberg
On February 3, 2026, the cargo vessel CL Flanders ran aground off Getterön while departing from Varberg, Sweden. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. local time as the ship was heading to Rochester. All eight crew members aboard were reported unharmed, and initial tests indicated no alcohol consumption among the crew. The maritime authorities were notified of the grounding at midnight, prompting an immediate response.
De Bock Meritiem, the shipping company operating the CL Flanders, stated that a technical fault was not the cause of the grounding. The Swedish Coast Guard arrived on the scene shortly after the authorities were alerted and has since initiated a preliminary investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Details about the ship’s condition and any potential damage are currently under examination.
Refloating and Inspection of the Vessel
The CL Flanders was successfully refloated by the tugboat Magnus (IMO: 7407570) on February 5, 2026, at approximately 7 a.m. UTC. The operation took about half an hour, allowing the vessel to safely return to the inner port of Varberg by 7:40 a.m. Following the refloating, divers inspected the hull for any damage or issues that might have arisen during the grounding.
After confirming the vessel’s seaworthiness, the CL Flanders departed Varberg later that same day. It successfully reached its destination port on February 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. UTC. The swift actions of the Coast Guard and the tugboat crew ensured that the situation was managed effectively, preventing any significant environmental impact or injury to the crew.
The grounding incident has raised questions about navigation safety in the area, leading to discussions within the maritime community about potential measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The ongoing investigation by the Coast Guard will help clarify the chain of events that led to the grounding of the CL Flanders.
