On a Friday morning, passengers on a Molslinjen ferry near Aarhus experienced a dramatic incident when their ferry suddenly had to maneuver to avoid a Russian warship. Pia Blak and Michael Larsen, who were seated in the ferry’s restaurant, witnessed the intense situation. “Suddenly, the ferry started sailing around, and we hadn’t gone far,” says 57-year-old Pia Blak from Vipperød. Michael Larsen, 56 years old from Højby, adds: “There was a bit of panic in the restaurant when the ferry tilted.” The situation escalated when passengers were informed that the maneuver was necessary to avoid the approaching Russian warship. “Some people started shouting, while others remained calmer,” says Pia Blak. The captain of Molslinjen explained over the speakers that the Russian warship did not comply with the maritime rules that dictate who should give way. This led to the two ships coming dangerously close to each other – only about 50 meters apart, estimates Michael Larsen. “Everyone noticed the cannon on the warship as we sailed around it,” notes Pia Blak.
Molslinjen has confirmed the incident. “The rules are clear on who should give way. Unfortunately, the warship did not respond to our captain’s calls,” says Jesper Maack, PR & Communication Manager at Molslinjen. The Defense Command has also confirmed that a Russian frigate has sailed through the Great Belt in a northbound direction, but has no further comments on the incident.