Stena Line ferry evacuated in Rostock after chemical leak

The Stena Line ferry ‘Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’ was evacuated in the port of Rostock on Wednesday, September 16, following a leak of an unknown substance from a railway wagon on board. The vessel was preparing for a scheduled voyage from Rostock to Trelleborg when the leak was detected during loading.

Emergency services, including police and fire departments, responded to the scene with approximately two dozen vehicles. Specialized chemical protection units wearing protective suits were deployed to identify the substance. A safety zone was established around the ferry to secure the area.

Reports on the number of people on board vary slightly, with estimates ranging from 209 to 215 individuals, including passengers and crew. All passengers were evacuated and transported to a terminal building via bus.

Four crew members were taken to the hospital for medical examinations. While Stena Line stated this was a precautionary measure and that the individuals showed no symptoms, some German media reports indicated that certain people had reported respiratory issues. The exact nature and toxicity of the substance remain unconfirmed as identification efforts continue.