Scandinavian Star: Erstatningssak etter brann starter i Danmark

A legal battle seeking accountability for the 1990 Scandinavian Star ferry disaster is set to begin Tuesday in Næstved, Denmark. Forty-seven survivors and relatives of those who perished are pursuing compensation from the Danish Maritime Authority (Søfartsstyrelsen).

The Case Against the Maritime Authority

The plaintiffs allege that the Søfartsstyrelsen failed to inspect the Scandinavian Star before it was put into service. This failure, they contend, contributed to the conditions that led to the devastating fire that claimed 159 lives. Jan Harsem, leader of the Norwegian support group for survivors and relatives, emphasized the importance of finding answers after decades of seeking clarity. “For the survivors and relatives, We see important to get answers to these questions. We have been through many phases in this case. Here’s about what is right,” Harsem stated.

Did You Know? The Scandinavian Star fire, which occurred on April 7, 1990, while traveling from Oslo to Frederikshavn, is considered one of the largest catastrophes in recent history.

A Long Fight for Justice

Harsem and his son survived the fire, but his wife and unborn child were among the victims. The legal action follows a 2022 announcement by 29 survivors and relatives of their intent to sue the Søfartsstyrelsen for 13 million Danish kroner. That number has now grown to 47 plaintiffs. The lawsuit gained momentum after a report concluded that the Søfartsstyrelsen should have inspected the ship before it began regular service.

Mike Axdal, leader of the Danish support association, highlighted the lasting impact on survivors, stating that many suffered life-altering injuries, including smoke and burn wounds, as well as traumatic psychological harm due to inadequate rescue and crisis preparedness.

Conflicting Perspectives

However, not all experts agree with the basis of the lawsuit. Marine inspector Gisle Weddegjerde, who previously investigated the fire, argues that the claim against the Søfartsstyrelsen is a misdirection. He contends that the arson would have occurred even if the ship had been inspected, and that the Søfartsstyrelsen was not legally obligated to conduct such an inspection. He also noted that the ship had been approved by both Lloyds and the US Coast Guard shortly before the incident.

Expert Insight: The legal challenge underscores the complexities of assigning responsibility in a disaster of this magnitude, particularly when the cause of the fire remains undetermined and questions linger about the adequacy of safety oversight.

Further complicating the investigation, questions remain about who was ultimately responsible for the ship’s operation. Danish authorities acknowledged in 2021 that Danish police had not adequately investigated this aspect of the case, and Norwegian police had not investigated it at all.

Allegations of Sabotage and Unanswered Questions

The cause of the Scandinavian Star fire remains unsolved. Initial investigations focused on a Danish truck driver who perished in the blaze, but a 2014 police report found insufficient evidence to identify him as the perpetrator, though he remained a suspect. Later information revealed multiple fires started in different locations on the ship at different times. In 2016, a retired Danish maritime inspector, Flemming Thue Jensen, alleged that the arson was carried out by members of the crew as an act of sabotage, a claim supported by Weddegjerde, who suggests economic interests may be at play.

What’s Next?

The trial, scheduled to run until March 25th, aims to shed light on whether the Søfartsstyrelsen’s actions—or lack thereof—hindered effective rescue efforts. The Danish support association seeks to clarify issues such as who issued orders to nearby ships not to approach the burning vessel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Danish Maritime Authority (Søfartsstyrelsen)?

The Søfartsstyrelsen is a Danish agency under the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs that works to ensure health, safety, and environmental protection within shipping, and to promote competitiveness for the Danish merchant fleet.

How many people are involved in the lawsuit?

A total of 47 people – including both Danish and Norwegian citizens – are seeking compensation in the lawsuit.

What is the basis of the claim against the Søfartsstyrelsen?

The plaintiffs argue that the Søfartsstyrelsen failed to inspect the Scandinavian Star before it was put into service, contributing to the conditions that led to the fire.

As this case unfolds, will the pursuit of justice finally bring closure to the survivors and families affected by the Scandinavian Star tragedy?