Authorities in Świnoujście are dealing with a tense situation after a male passenger blocked a scheduled ferry departure to Sweden, forcing an emergency response that has lasted several hours. According to local reports, the man took control of a lifeboat aboard the TT Line ferry and threatened to harm himself. He is believed to be armed with a knife.
The incident began Saturday afternoon when the man, who reportedly arrived on the ferry from Sweden, refused to disembark. Negotiations between the police and the individual have been ongoing since around 6 p.m. local time. “Negotiations are still in progress, but the situation is challenging due to the location where the man has positioned himself,” said Commissioner Mirosława Rudzińska from the Szczecin Regional Police Headquarters.
While early rumors suggested the man may have also threatened others on board, police have denied these claims. “He has only threatened himself,” authorities clarified.
Disruptions to Ferry Schedule
The disruption has caused significant delays to ferry services. The TT Line ferry was scheduled to depart Świnoujście at 1 a.m. but remains docked as of Sunday morning. Passengers who were scheduled to travel to Sweden have been rerouted to other vessels, though some were forced to cancel their trips entirely. Others continue to wait for further updates.
“The unit is being secured in case the man falls into the water,” said a representative from the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR). Rescue boats, including the R-28 and R-2, are stationed near the vessel, ready to respond if needed. “The lifeboat where the man is located is stocked with food supplies,” added SAR Director Sebastian Kluska, emphasizing that rescuers are working in shifts to maintain safety.
TT Line Declines to Comment
Despite the ongoing drama, TT Line, the company that operates the ferry, has yet to issue an official statement on the situation. The presence of the man and his refusal to cooperate has prompted the ferry service to take additional security measures, with police negotiators working carefully to bring the matter to a peaceful conclusion.
As the situation remains unresolved, police have identified the man as a young Polish national. His motives remain unclear, and authorities continue to monitor his actions, aiming to de-escalate the standoff without harm.
