Finnish authorities begin oil removal from WWII battleship wreck *Ilmarinen*
Finnish authorities have launched a large-scale operation to remove an estimated 100,000 litres of light fuel oil from the wreck of the battleship Ilmarinen, which sank during the Second World War near the island of Utö in the northern Baltic Sea. The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke), the Navy, and the Border Guard are collaborating on the project, which aims to mitigate environmental risks posed by the deteriorating wreck.
The Ilmarinen, which sank in 1941, is considered one of the most hazardous wrecks in the Baltic Sea due to the risk of oil leaks. Ilta-Sanomat reports that the vessel was observed leaking fuel oil at a rate of a few drops per minute earlier this year (Ilta-Sanomat). The operation to empty its tanks has been meticulously planned and rehearsed over recent years, with Navy divers leading the extraction efforts.
The multipurpose vessel Louhi, equipped with specialised oil spill response equipment, will serve as the primary support vessel for the operation. The task is particularly challenging due to the wreck’s depth and its location in an area prone to rough sea conditions. Authorities have also prepared contingency measures for potential oil spills during the process.
The wreck of the Ilmarinen is the final resting place of 271 naval soldiers who perished when the ship sank. Syke and its partners have emphasised the importance of respecting the sanctity of the site throughout the operation (Yle). Authorities have requested operational peace in the area to ensure the safety and efficiency of the work.
The oil removal project is expected to conclude around the turn of July–August, after which a full report on the operation and its outcomes will be released (Yle, Ilta-Sanomat).