Five seafarers were airlifted from a general cargo ship off Sweden after it was hit by an explosion and fire.
Domestic media said the 1,800-dwt Swedish-flagged Sofia (built 1986) was 50 km east of the Baltic island of Bornholm on Thursday night when it sent a distress signal after 21:00 hours.
Aftonbladet cited Maritime & Air Rescue Centre leader Fredrik Hermansson as saying a helicopter was first at the scene to winch crew members to safety by 23:00 local time.
The seafarers were taken to Kristiansand. No injuries were reported.
AIS data showed the ship back underway at a very slow speed on Friday morning, heading to Ellenholm.
A warship called Absalon from the Danish Navy also attended the incident.
The elderly cargo ship, which was reported to be in ballast at the time, was en route from Poland to Karlshamn in southern Sweden when fire broke out.
An explosion had earlier been heard on the vessel.
Owner Fiducia Rederi of Sweden has been contacted for further information.
The Sofia was detained in Denmark in 2022 for nine days with 27 deficiencies, including an incomplete muster list, expired food and medical equipment, and a missing signalling lamp.
The crew was also noted to have a lack of familiarity with radio equipment.
The vessel’s insurer is not listed by the International Group of P&I Clubs.
