Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

New Criticism After the Scandinavian Star Disaster

The Danish Maritime Authority receives harsh criticism in a new investigation into the fire on the ferry Scandinavian Star in 1990.

» Updated: 05 October 2024, 23:00

» Published: 13 September 2024

New Criticism After the Scandinavian Star Disaster
Photo: Vegard Wivestad Grøtt/NTB Scanpix/TT

If the authorities had carried out a so-called port state control of the ferry in April 1990, the passengers would have had a greater chance of survival, concludes the politically appointed group that has investigated the incident for three years.

"It would have likely reduced the scope of the disaster", writes the group.

Of 482 people on board, 159 lost their lives when the Scandinavian Star caught fire off Lysekil, on its way from Oslo to Danish Fredrikshavn, on the night of April 7, 1990.

Several investigations have attempted to map out the cause of the fire, including this investigation, which has also looked at possible motives for insurance fraud. However, the group does not believe that there is evidence of fraud.

Last year, the Maritime Authority rejected claims for compensation from 20 survivors and 11 relatives totaling 14 million Danish kronor.

The claim was made after an investigation in 2022, commissioned by the Danish Ministry of Business, revealed that the Maritime Authority had not carried out the control that is now being called for.

A port state control is an inspection of foreign vessels to ensure that the vessel's safety meets international standards.

The ferry was on its way from Oslo to Danish Fredrikshavn when it caught fire in the Skagerrak off Lysekil on the night of April 7, 1990. 159 people died, most of them Norwegian citizens.

The fire has been investigated several times by Norwegian police. Since the ferry was Danish-owned, the trial took place in Copenhagen.

In 1993, the former CEO of the shipping company, Ole B Hansen, Captain Hugo Larsen, and shipowner Henrik Johansen were sentenced to six months in prison each by the Danish Supreme Court for neglecting safety. Hansen, however, escaped his sentence as he fled to Spain and was not caught in time.

Since then, relatives and others affected have made around 20 attempts to start new legal proceedings against the ferry's owners and insurance companies.

The fire-damaged ferry was towed into Lysekil.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

UN Soldiers Injured in Attack in Lebanon
1 MIN READ

UN Soldiers Injured in Attack in Lebanon

Trump's Peace Plan for Ukraine: No NATO for 20 Years
2 MIN READ

Trump's Peace Plan for Ukraine: No NATO for 20 Years

Biden addresses the nation after the election
1 MIN READ

Biden addresses the nation after the election

Canada in dispute with Tiktok - "national security"
1 MIN READ

Canada in dispute with Tiktok - "national security"

The EU Top on Trump: There is Something to Build On
2 MIN READ

The EU Top on Trump: There is Something to Build On

Harris Turned His Back: "Didn't Stop the Genocide"
2 MIN READ

Harris Turned His Back: "Didn't Stop the Genocide"

Israel buys new fighter jets from Boeing
1 MIN READ

Israel buys new fighter jets from Boeing

Israeli Attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon
1 MIN READ

Israeli Attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon

Demands No Confidence: "Scholz's Coalition is History"
2 MIN READ

Demands No Confidence: "Scholz's Coalition is History"

Iran: Trump's Victory Chance of Reconsideration
1 MIN READ

Iran: Trump's Victory Chance of Reconsideration

The demand to Georgia: Investigate election fraud
1 MIN READ

The demand to Georgia: Investigate election fraud

Democrats Fume: Biden's Arrogance Was Our Downfall
2 MIN READ

Democrats Fume: Biden's Arrogance Was Our Downfall

Two states are still counting their votes
1 MIN READ

Two states are still counting their votes

The Charges Against Trump – What Happens Now
3 MIN READ

The Charges Against Trump – What Happens Now

Struggle for Power in Congress
3 MIN READ

Struggle for Power in Congress

Xi wants a stable relationship with the USA in the "new era"
1 MIN READ

Xi wants a stable relationship with the USA in the "new era"

Russian drone attacks on Kyiv
1 MIN READ

Russian drone attacks on Kyiv

Australia: 16-year limit for Tiktok
2 MIN READ

Australia: 16-year limit for Tiktok

Melania Trump calls for unity
1 MIN READ

Melania Trump calls for unity

Zelensky: USA's leadership is crucial
1 MIN READ

Zelensky: USA's leadership is crucial