Scandinavian Star Disaster: Legal Battle Resumes After 36 Years
A legal case seeking compensation for survivors and relatives of the 159 people who died in the 1990 Scandinavian Star ferry fire is underway in Næstved, Denmark. Forty-seven claimants, including 15 Norwegians, are suing the Danish Maritime Authority (Søfartsstyrelsen), alleging negligence in failing to inspect the vessel before it began service.
A Long Fight for Answers
The case centers on the argument that the Søfartsstyrelsen should have conducted a port state control inspection of the Scandinavian Star before it commenced its route between Oslo and Frederikshavn. Jan Harsem, leader of the Norwegian support group for survivors and relatives, emphasized the importance of finding answers after decades of seeking closure. Harsem himself survived the fire, but lost his wife and unborn child.
In 2022, 29 survivors and relatives initially filed a lawsuit seeking approximately 13 million Danish kroner. The number of claimants has since risen to 47.
Claims of Negligence and Human Rights Violations
Claimants argue that the Søfartsstyrelsen violated their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, including the right to life. Mike Axdal, a claimant from Korsør, Denmark, stated the lawsuit is about holding Danish authorities accountable for what he describes as a disregard for human rights. Each claimant is seeking 450,000 kroner in compensation.
Reports have criticized the authorities’ response to the disaster. An expert group concluded in 2022 that the Søfartsstyrelsen should have performed a port state control inspection prior to the ferry’s operation.
State Rejects Responsibility
The Danish state, represented by its lawyers, argues that the claims are time-barred. They maintain that any alleged failures by the Søfartsstyrelsen did not alter the course of events. This stance has fueled frustration among survivors and relatives who have long sought accountability.
Conflicting Perspectives on the Cause
While the cause of the fire remains officially undetermined, theories abound. Initial investigations focused on a Danish truck driver who perished in the blaze, but a 2014 police report found no basis to identify him as the perpetrator. Subsequent investigations revealed multiple fires started in different locations and at different times.
Marine inspector Gisle Weddegjerde believes the lawsuit is misguided. He argues that the fire would have occurred even if the Søfartsstyrelsen had inspected the ship, and that the agency had no legal obligation to do so. He also points to the vessel’s approval by Lloyds and the US Coast Guard prior to its operation.
Though, questions remain about who was responsible for putting the ship into service. Danish authorities admitted in 2017 that Danish police had not adequately investigated this issue.
Former Danish maritime inspector Flemming Thue Jensen claimed in 2016 that the fire was an act of sabotage committed by members of the crew, potentially motivated by financial interests. Weddegjerde supports this theory, suggesting that certain interests are being protected at the expense of the truth.
Unanswered Questions Remain
The trial, scheduled to last until March 25th, aims to shed light on several key issues, including who gave orders to nearby ships not to approach the burning ferry and the adequacy of the rescue and crisis preparedness measures in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What caused the Scandinavian Star fire? The exact cause remains undetermined, though investigations have pointed to arson and potential sabotage.
- How many people died in the Scandinavian Star disaster? 159 people lost their lives in the fire.
- What is the Søfartsstyrelsen? It’s the Danish Maritime Authority, responsible for ensuring safety and competitiveness within the Danish shipping industry.
- What are the claimants seeking? They are seeking 450,000 kroner each in compensation for alleged violations of their human rights.
Pro Tip: Stay updated on the case through reputable news sources like DR.dk and TV2 ØST.
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