Viking Line ship runs aground in Åland Islands

A Stockholm-bound ship of the cruise ship operator Viking Line coming from Turku ran aground in the Åland Islands on Saturday afternoon, Viking Line said.

The 2,800 passenger capacity vessel named Viking Grace laden with 331 passengers and 92 crew members stuck the ground Mariehamn harbour at about 2:10 pm.

The Passengers, however, were not in danger and they were informed about the situation, said Viking Line source.

According to coast guard, its dispatched vessels and a helicopter rushed to the spot, although no leak had been reported.

Viking Line spokesperson Johanna Boijer-Svahnström told media that the ship ran aground in a storm and there was no danger.

Passengers will stay overnight on board and they will be taken by other ships to Finland and Sweden tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the cruised ship operator cancelled the evening departure of Viking Grace from Turku on Saturday and morning departure from Stockholm on Sunday.

Viking Gabriella will replace Viking Grace on Monday night from Turku.

Earlier, on September 20, a Stockholm-bound Viking Line vessel named M/S Amorella coming from Turku ran aground in the Åland archipelago.

The vessel laden with 200 passengers and 80 crew members stuck the ground in Hjulgrund area of the archipelago.