On October 2 at around 2200hrs Regina Seaways ferry that experienced a technical failure at sea moored in Klaipėda Seaport. Šakiai, Skalvis, and Jotvingis ships of the Lithuanian Navy that had escorted it have returned successfully to the Naval Flotilla.
"The conditions were not very convenient for a rescue operation - we had 3 and over-meter height waves and over 300 people aboard. So a big force as dispatched to carry out the rescue operation - three Navy ships that could accommodate all passengers and take them to the shore safely, also, three Armed Forces' helicopters were at the ready to take off immediately and start transfer of passengers," head of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of the Lithuanian Navy Commander Eugenijus Valikovas said.
According to him, maritime rescue centres in Latvia, Poland and Sweden were also waiting prepared to send in helicopters of various types to help in case of a need.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of the Lithuanian Navy received a call for help at around 1345hrs on October 2 from the Regina Seaways ferry of DFDS Seaways. AS-365 Dauphin of the Lithuanian Air Force left for the area of incident immediately and conducted the primary survey. Lithuanian Navy ships Šakiai, Skalvis and Jotvingis were also dispatched immediately to carry out a rescue operation. Three Lithuanian Air Force helicopters were held ready to provide additional support. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre reported the possible rescue operation to Klaipėda City Council and emergency services.
At around 1740hrs the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was informed by the Regina Seaways ferry via radio communication that they managed to start the main engine and was heading towards Klaipėda. Lithuanian Navy ships were accompanying the ferry at a small distance prepared to evacuate the passengers and crew if a need arises.
The ferry experienced the incident at around 110 km away from Klaipėda Seaport. The ship left Kiel Seaport (Germany) for Klaipėda on October 1.
POC: Senior Specialist PO1 Audrius Vitkauskas,+370 673 17 239.
Photo credits: Lithuanian Armed Forces
