The operation, which began in mid-July, removed approximately 60,000 litres of oil from the wreck. An estimated 40,000 litres of oil remain in Ilmarinen's tanks. The plan is to continue emptying the wreck next year.
The Ilmarinen sank in the northern Baltic Sea in September 1941 after hitting a mine. 271 of those on board died, while 132 survived. It was then around 50 years before the ship was located. The oil in its tanks poses a major environmental risk to the Baltic Sea.
The oil spill was led by the Finnish Coastal Fleet and the Finnish Environment Institute. The Border Guard and the Centre for Diving Medicine also participated in the operation.
