The MS Baltica, a popular excursion steamer, faced a near-disaster on Monday, April 7, 2025, when it nearly sank due to a sudden water ingress shortly after departing from Kühlungsborn. With passengers onboard, the captain quickly turned the vessel around and returned to the pier, ensuring that all 321 passengers evacuated safely without injuries.
According to reports, the incident occurred just after 11:00 AM when the ship's engine began to make unusual noises, prompting the captain to take immediate action. The vessel, which is 50 meters long and was built in 1959, was on its regular route between Kühlungsborn and Warnemünde when the water began to fill the engine room.
“The situation on the passenger ship Baltica in Kühlungsborn is under control,” stated the district of Rostock later that evening. Divers from a specialist company managed to seal the leak sufficiently to reduce the water ingress to a trickle. Meanwhile, 53 firefighters worked diligently to pump water out of the engine room using three pumps, preventing the ship from sinking.
Firefighters from Kühlungsborn and surrounding areas responded promptly to the emergency, deploying oil barriers around the ship to mitigate any potential marine pollution. Fortunately, only a small amount of fuel leaked into the Baltic Sea, which was quickly contained and removed.
Initial investigations revealed that a technical defect had occurred in the ship's engine shortly after departure. A spokesperson for the water police indicated that a ship's propeller had apparently come loose, causing the entire drive shaft to fall off. This failure allowed water to penetrate through the so-called shaft tunnel, leading to the emergency situation.
“At this moment, the ship is not sinking,” reassured Maik Garkisch, Kühlungsborn's fire chief. The swift actions of the crew and emergency services were credited with averting a potential catastrophe. Mayor Olivia Arndt expressed her relief, stating that the situation could have been disastrous if not for the quick response.
The MS Baltica, which has recently undergone extensive renovations and received approval for operation until 2030, is a significant tourist attraction in the region. It typically accommodates up to 321 passengers and has been a staple of the local maritime experience for decades.
Following the incident, the Kühlungsborn pier remained closed to the public as divers continued their work to assess and repair the damage. The ship's operator confirmed that the vessel would be towed to a shipyard for further repairs once the leak was fully sealed.
This was not the first maritime incident in the area in recent months. In October 2024, the oil tanker Annika caught fire in the Baltic Sea near Rostock, requiring a complex operation to bring it to port. Earlier this year, another oil tanker, the Eventin, drifted unmaneuverable in the Baltic, carrying a substantial load of oil that had to be managed carefully.
As the sun set over Kühlungsborn on that fateful day, the immediate threat to the MS Baltica had been resolved, but concerns lingered about the safety of older vessels operating in the busy waters of the Baltic Sea. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks for maritime vessels, especially those carrying passengers.
With the situation under control, local authorities are now focusing on ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future. The community remains grateful for the rapid response of the emergency services, who were able to manage the crisis effectively and protect the lives of those on board.
As the investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure continues, the MS Baltica will remain at the pier in Kühlungsborn, awaiting repairs and further assessments. The incident has sparked discussions about maritime safety standards and the condition of older ships still in operation.
