The fire on the ferry Scandinavian Star, which occurred off the Swedish coast, tragically resulted in the deaths of 159 individuals, many of whom were Norwegian, alongside Danish and Swedish nationals. Thirty-six years later, survivors and the families of those who perished are pursuing compensation from the Danish state, highlighting unresolved grievances and the long-lasting emotional impact of the disaster. A group of 47 plaintiffs has initiated legal action against the Danish Maritime Authority, each seeking over 600,000 Swedish Krona in damages.

It has been revealed that the ferry was put into service on the Oslo-Frederikshavn route just a week before the fire incident, with a newly recruited crew that had not yet completed fire drills. An expert group concluded that the Danish Maritime Authority should have conducted a so-called port state control before the ferry was operational, suggesting that had the necessary precautions been taken, the extent of the tragedy could have been significantly lessened. However, the Maritime Authority disagrees with this assessment and has dismissed the compensation claims from the survivors and their families.

This case sheds light on critical issues regarding maritime safety regulations and the responsibilities of governmental bodies in ensuring the safety of passenger vessels. The calls for compensation not only underscore the suffering endured by victims' families but also raise important questions about accountability and the effectiveness of maritime oversight in the aftermath of such catastrophic events.