The grounded ferry Marco Polo (15,955 gross tons) was refloated on Wednesday, November 1, with minimal additional environmental impact. The salvage operation is set to conclude on Thursday, November 2, while oil cleanup efforts will continue.
Salvage teams from SMIT started work ~7 AM that morning, successfully freeing the vessel using pressure on compartments near the breach in the hull. Two tugs moved the Marco Polo to a new anchorage about one nautical mile to the southeast. Divers were deployed to inspect the hull for damages.
The Swedish Coastguard reported that the oil spill during the refloating was less than expected. The damaged fuel tank, which held ~160 m3 of oil, was not pressurized during the operation to minimize additional fuel release. The Coastguard cleaned up oil found at sea.
The salvage company plans to tow the Marco Polo to Stillerydshamnen in Karlshamn on Thursday, starting at 8 AM and lasting until midday. The Coastguard may fine TT-Line for the cleanup operation. The ferry's captain and third officer were previously fined for negligence during navigation, as they were using the electronic chat system instead of radar or additional lookouts during foggy night travel. The Swedish authorities safely evacuated the passengers and non-essential crew after the grounding.