The Accident Investigation Center (Otkes) has initiated an investigation into a dangerous situation that occurred on the Silja Serenade on March 2, where an aluminum cargo began to emit smoke. The situation escalated to the point that the smoldering truck was removed from the ship in Mariehamn, demonstrating the complexities of handling such incidents at sea. As the dusk fell, emergency services had to execute a challenging fire extinguishing and cooling operation both on the ship and later at the port in Mariehamn.

The severity of the situation was underscored by Otkes' investigation leader Mirva Salokorpi, who noted that alongside the smoldering vehicle was another truck carrying battery cargo, which significantly heightened the emergency's risk. This potential for a more serious accident prompted the dispatch of two maritime rescue teams via helicopter, highlighting the urgency of the response. Salokorpi expressed that the investigation aims to uncover the factors that led to this incident and ensure that protocols are followed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The incident not only raises concerns about the safety of maritime transport but also reflects on the regulatory frameworks that govern cargo transport, particularly hazardous materials. The collaboration between maritime emergency services and investigation teams is critical to maintaining safety standards and preventing accidents that could have wider implications for shipping practices and public safety.