Baltic Sea: Two reported missing after cargo ships collided off the coast of Sweden
A major rescue operation is underway after two cargo ships collided in the Baltic Sea off the Swedish coast, according to reports.
At least two people are believed to be in the water after the incident that occurred early on Monday between the Danish island of Bornholm and the southern Swedish city of Ystad, the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) states.
Officials said the capsized Denmark-registered ship, Karin Hoej, was upside down when it capsized, and the cause of the collision remained unclear.
The ship, which was not loaded, must have been on its way from Södertälje Sweden to Nykobing Falster in the south Denmark with two people on board.
The other ship involved in the incident has been named as the UK-registered Scot Carrier, which has been reported to be functional, with its crew members safe.
A spokesman for SMA said screams were reported from the cold water.
There is speculation that the incident may have been due to poor visibility caused by fog.
“We have not found anyone yet. But we have requested diving resources … it is dark and very cold,” Jonas Franzen told STV.
Helicopters and a dozen boats from Sweden and Denmark have joined the search and rescue efforts, the transmitter reported.