The Silja Serenade ferry, while en route from Stockholm to Finland, faced an unexpected halt in Mariehamn at 3 AM following an incident involving a truck that was emitting thick smoke. The truck, which was carrying scrap metal, raised concerns that prompted the ship to stop. Emergency response teams, including the Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG) specialists, were dispatched via helicopter from Turku and Helsinki to assess the situation. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, although several rescue personnel were exposed to smoke during the operations.

According to Ålands Radio, the truck’s container was filled with sand as a precautionary measure, since using water could have led to an explosion risk. The entire western harbor of Mariehamn was closed during the night to manage the incident and ensure safety. As of 6 AM, the situation had improved with the truck safely removed from the ferry, allowing Silja Serenade to continue its journey.

This incident not only disrupted the ferry's schedule but also highlights the importance of emergency protocols in maritime operations, especially concerning hazardous materials. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and local authorities will likely conduct further investigations regarding the truck and its cargo to prevent similar occurrences in the future.