On an apparently ordinary Friday morning, passengers and crew on Molslinjen’s ferry, en route to Aarhus, were suddenly thrown into a dramatic situation. The ship’s captain had to perform a quick evasive maneuver to avoid a collision with a Russian warship that did not comply with the applicable maritime rules. On board the ferry were Pia Blak and Michael Larsen, both in the ship’s restaurant when the incident occurred. “Suddenly the ship began to turn around, creating some panic among the passengers,” says Michael Larsen, 56, from Højby. Pia Blak, 57, from Vipperød, adds: “Some started yelling, while others remained calm when we were told the maneuver was to avoid the Russian warship.” According to the captain of Molslinjen, who also informed the passengers via the ship’s speakers, the Russian warship had not adhered to the international maritime rules, which clearly indicate which ship has the right of way. “The Russian ship did not respond to our inquiries,” explains Jesper Maack, PR & Communication Manager at Molslinjen.
The situation was quickly resolved, and the ferry was able to continue its journey to Aarhus. However, the close encounter with the Russian warship, where the distance was estimated to be only 50 meters, was an intense experience for everyone on board. “We could clearly see the cannon on the warship as we sailed around it,” says Pia Blak. The Danish Defence Command has confirmed to the media that a Russian frigate has passed through the Great Belt in a northbound direction, but has no further comments on the incident. This incident highlights the importance of adhering to international maritime rules to ensure safety at sea.