MS Scandinavian Star
Ferry Arson Disaster
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Oslo, Norway
TIME PERIOD
April 7, 1990
VICTIMS
159 confirmed
On April 7, 1990, the MS Scandinavian Star, a car and passenger ferry, was set ablaze while en route from Oslo, Norway, to Frederikshavn, Denmark, resulting in the tragic deaths of 159 individuals. The fire was attributed to a convicted arsonist who perished in the incident, although this conclusion has faced ongoing disputes and skepticism. The vessel, originally built in 1971 and previously known as MS Massalia, had undergone several ownership changes and was operated by Vognmandsruten K/S, A/S at the time of the fire. Following the disaster, the ship was laid up for an extended period before being repaired and returned to service under a different name, ultimately being scrapped in 2004. The case remains a significant maritime disaster, with ongoing discussions regarding the investigation's findings and the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The official investigation concluded that a convicted arsonist was responsible for the fire on the MS Scandinavian Star, but this finding has been disputed by some who believe that the true cause of the fire may involve a broader conspiracy or negligence on the part of the ship's operators. There are theories suggesting that the fire was intentionally set as part of a larger scheme, possibly linked to insurance fraud or other criminal activities. Additionally, some speculate that the ship's safety measures were inadequate, contributing to the high death toll.
The Tragic Voyage of MS Scandinavian Star
Origins of the Vessel
The tale of the MS Scandinavian Star is one of tragedy and mystery, a ferry that carried passengers and vehicles on journeys that ended in disaster. Originally christened the MS Massalia, this ship embarked on its maiden voyage in 1971, built by the skilled hands at Dubigeon-Normandie SA in France. The ferry was initially owned by Nouvelle Compagnie de Paquebots and traversed the route from Marseille to Málaga and Casablanca. Over the years, the ship changed ownership and names several times—transforming from MS Stena Baltica to MS Island Fiesta, and finally to the infamous MS Scandinavian Star.
A History Marred by Fire
Even before the catastrophic events of 1990, the Scandinavian Star was no stranger to fire. In 1985, an unreported blaze broke out due to a deep-fryer mishap. The year 1988 brought further peril, with two more fires caused by a malfunctioning lubricating pipe and an engine room fire that left the ship, carrying 439 passengers and 268 crew members, powerless in the waters 50 nautical miles northeast of Cancún. This incident highlighted a pressing issue: ineffective communication among crew members and with passengers, which would later prove disastrous.
The Fateful Night
In March 1990, the Scandinavian Star was acquired by Vognmandsruten K/S and began service on the Oslo to Frederikshavn route. This transition from a casino ship to a passenger ferry required a hasty crew training period of just ten days, far short of the standard six to eight weeks. Communication barriers arose as many crew members were not fluent in Norwegian, Danish, or English. Erik Stein, a technical leader for the Norwegian marine insurance company Assuranceforeningen Skuld, had already flagged the ship's fire preparedness as deficient, citing defective fire doors.
On the night of April 7, 1990, disaster struck. At approximately 2 a.m., a fire ignited and quickly spread through the ship, turning decks 3, 4, and 5 into infernos. The decorative melamine resin laminate, used extensively throughout the ship, proved to be highly flammable, exacerbating the situation. The blaze released toxic gases, including hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, which contributed to the swift incapacitation and death of many passengers.
A Chaotic Evacuation
The captain's attempt to contain the fire by closing the bulkhead doors failed because the emergency alarms had not been manually triggered. The ventilation system inadvertently accelerated the fire's spread, and when it was eventually shut down, smoke was able to infiltrate the passenger cabins. Chaos ensued as passengers, disoriented by thick smoke and confusing corridor layouts, struggled to escape. Many succumbed to the toxic fumes, while others remained trapped, unable to navigate the labyrinthine hallways.
Ultimately, the captain ordered a general alarm and sent a Mayday request. However, in a shocking turn of events, the crew abandoned the ship before all passengers were evacuated. The ship was later towed to Lysekil, Sweden, where the local fire department extinguished the flames after ten agonizing hours.
The Human Cost
The toll was devastating. Of the 395 passengers and 97 crew members on board, 159 souls were lost, including 136 Norwegians. The identification process was a grim task, requiring over 100 specialists to work through the charred remains. Initial reports erroneously suggested a high number of child casualties, but Swedish police clarified that children under seven were not listed on the passenger manifest, leading to confusion.
Unraveling the Mystery
The initial investigation pointed to Erik Mørk Andersen, a Danish truck driver with a history of arson, as the culprit. However, subsequent investigations in 2009 and a 2013 report by the Stiftelsen Etterforskning Av Mordbrannen Scandinavian Star group cast doubt on this conclusion. They suggested that multiple fires were deliberately set by individuals with insider knowledge, possibly as part of an insurance fraud scheme. The ship had been insured for double its value shortly before the fire, a detail that fueled suspicions.
Renewed Investigations and Legal Reforms
The controversy surrounding the fire led to renewed interest from authorities. In 2014, the Oslo police reopened the investigation, officially clearing Andersen's name. The Norwegian Parliament responded by abolishing the statute of limitations for arson, ensuring that justice could still be pursued. In 2016, retired investigator Flemming Thue Jensen claimed that the fire was an act of sabotage by crew members, further implicating them in the disaster.
A Legacy of Change
The Scandinavian Star incident prompted significant changes in maritime safety. The International Maritime Organization amended the International Code for Fire Safety Systems in 1992, addressing the vulnerabilities exposed by the disaster.
The Ship's Final Journey
After the fire, the Scandinavian Star, now renamed Candi, languished for several months before being sold at auction in 1994. It was rebuilt and renamed Regal Voyager, serving various routes across the Mediterranean and Caribbean before being scrapped in 2004.
Remembering the Victims
Memorials were erected to honor the victims. A poignant two-day memorial voyage was organized, allowing survivors and families to remember their loved ones. In Oslo, a statue was unveiled, depicting a mother and her children, alongside a plaque listing the names of those who perished. In 2015, a ceremony marked the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, attended by dignitaries including Queen Sonja of Norway.
The Documentary Revelation
In 2020, a comprehensive documentary aired across Scandinavia, reigniting interest in the case. It presented allegations of multiple fires set by professionals, contradicting official reports. These revelations have kept the haunting mystery of the Scandinavian Star alive, as families and investigators continue to seek answers and justice.
Sources
For more details, you can visit the Wikipedia article.
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Ferry Fire Breaks Out
A fire ignites on the MS Scandinavian Star, resulting in the deaths of 159 people.
Ship Towed to Copenhagen
The burnt MS Scandinavian Star is towed to Copenhagen for further investigation.
Investigation Begins
Oslo police launch an investigation into the fire, initially suspecting a deceased arsonist.
Investigation Reopened
A new investigation reveals multiple fires may have been set, challenging initial findings.
Charges Dropped
Charges against the deceased suspect are dropped as the investigation is officially reopened.
Statute of Limitations Removed
Norwegian Parliament removes the statute of limitations for arson, allowing for future prosecution.
New Evidence Emerges
A retired investigator claims the fire was sabotage, implicating crew members in the incident.
Documentary Airs
A documentary raises new allegations about the fire, prompting renewed interest in the case.
Memorial Unveiled
A permanent memorial for the victims of the Scandinavian Star fire is unveiled in Lysekil.
On April 7, 1990, the MS Scandinavian Star, a car and passenger ferry, was set ablaze while en route from Oslo, Norway, to Frederikshavn, Denmark, resulting in the tragic deaths of 159 individuals. The fire was attributed to a convicted arsonist who perished in the incident, although this conclusion has faced ongoing disputes and skepticism. The vessel, originally built in 1971 and previously known as MS Massalia, had undergone several ownership changes and was operated by Vognmandsruten K/S, A/S at the time of the fire. Following the disaster, the ship was laid up for an extended period before being repaired and returned to service under a different name, ultimately being scrapped in 2004. The case remains a significant maritime disaster, with ongoing discussions regarding the investigation's findings and the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The official investigation concluded that a convicted arsonist was responsible for the fire on the MS Scandinavian Star, but this finding has been disputed by some who believe that the true cause of the fire may involve a broader conspiracy or negligence on the part of the ship's operators. There are theories suggesting that the fire was intentionally set as part of a larger scheme, possibly linked to insurance fraud or other criminal activities. Additionally, some speculate that the ship's safety measures were inadequate, contributing to the high death toll.
The Tragic Voyage of MS Scandinavian Star
Origins of the Vessel
The tale of the MS Scandinavian Star is one of tragedy and mystery, a ferry that carried passengers and vehicles on journeys that ended in disaster. Originally christened the MS Massalia, this ship embarked on its maiden voyage in 1971, built by the skilled hands at Dubigeon-Normandie SA in France. The ferry was initially owned by Nouvelle Compagnie de Paquebots and traversed the route from Marseille to Málaga and Casablanca. Over the years, the ship changed ownership and names several times—transforming from MS Stena Baltica to MS Island Fiesta, and finally to the infamous MS Scandinavian Star.
A History Marred by Fire
Even before the catastrophic events of 1990, the Scandinavian Star was no stranger to fire. In 1985, an unreported blaze broke out due to a deep-fryer mishap. The year 1988 brought further peril, with two more fires caused by a malfunctioning lubricating pipe and an engine room fire that left the ship, carrying 439 passengers and 268 crew members, powerless in the waters 50 nautical miles northeast of Cancún. This incident highlighted a pressing issue: ineffective communication among crew members and with passengers, which would later prove disastrous.
The Fateful Night
In March 1990, the Scandinavian Star was acquired by Vognmandsruten K/S and began service on the Oslo to Frederikshavn route. This transition from a casino ship to a passenger ferry required a hasty crew training period of just ten days, far short of the standard six to eight weeks. Communication barriers arose as many crew members were not fluent in Norwegian, Danish, or English. Erik Stein, a technical leader for the Norwegian marine insurance company Assuranceforeningen Skuld, had already flagged the ship's fire preparedness as deficient, citing defective fire doors.
On the night of April 7, 1990, disaster struck. At approximately 2 a.m., a fire ignited and quickly spread through the ship, turning decks 3, 4, and 5 into infernos. The decorative melamine resin laminate, used extensively throughout the ship, proved to be highly flammable, exacerbating the situation. The blaze released toxic gases, including hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, which contributed to the swift incapacitation and death of many passengers.
A Chaotic Evacuation
The captain's attempt to contain the fire by closing the bulkhead doors failed because the emergency alarms had not been manually triggered. The ventilation system inadvertently accelerated the fire's spread, and when it was eventually shut down, smoke was able to infiltrate the passenger cabins. Chaos ensued as passengers, disoriented by thick smoke and confusing corridor layouts, struggled to escape. Many succumbed to the toxic fumes, while others remained trapped, unable to navigate the labyrinthine hallways.
Ultimately, the captain ordered a general alarm and sent a Mayday request. However, in a shocking turn of events, the crew abandoned the ship before all passengers were evacuated. The ship was later towed to Lysekil, Sweden, where the local fire department extinguished the flames after ten agonizing hours.
The Human Cost
The toll was devastating. Of the 395 passengers and 97 crew members on board, 159 souls were lost, including 136 Norwegians. The identification process was a grim task, requiring over 100 specialists to work through the charred remains. Initial reports erroneously suggested a high number of child casualties, but Swedish police clarified that children under seven were not listed on the passenger manifest, leading to confusion.
Unraveling the Mystery
The initial investigation pointed to Erik Mørk Andersen, a Danish truck driver with a history of arson, as the culprit. However, subsequent investigations in 2009 and a 2013 report by the Stiftelsen Etterforskning Av Mordbrannen Scandinavian Star group cast doubt on this conclusion. They suggested that multiple fires were deliberately set by individuals with insider knowledge, possibly as part of an insurance fraud scheme. The ship had been insured for double its value shortly before the fire, a detail that fueled suspicions.
Renewed Investigations and Legal Reforms
The controversy surrounding the fire led to renewed interest from authorities. In 2014, the Oslo police reopened the investigation, officially clearing Andersen's name. The Norwegian Parliament responded by abolishing the statute of limitations for arson, ensuring that justice could still be pursued. In 2016, retired investigator Flemming Thue Jensen claimed that the fire was an act of sabotage by crew members, further implicating them in the disaster.
A Legacy of Change
The Scandinavian Star incident prompted significant changes in maritime safety. The International Maritime Organization amended the International Code for Fire Safety Systems in 1992, addressing the vulnerabilities exposed by the disaster.
The Ship's Final Journey
After the fire, the Scandinavian Star, now renamed Candi, languished for several months before being sold at auction in 1994. It was rebuilt and renamed Regal Voyager, serving various routes across the Mediterranean and Caribbean before being scrapped in 2004.
Remembering the Victims
Memorials were erected to honor the victims. A poignant two-day memorial voyage was organized, allowing survivors and families to remember their loved ones. In Oslo, a statue was unveiled, depicting a mother and her children, alongside a plaque listing the names of those who perished. In 2015, a ceremony marked the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, attended by dignitaries including Queen Sonja of Norway.
The Documentary Revelation
In 2020, a comprehensive documentary aired across Scandinavia, reigniting interest in the case. It presented allegations of multiple fires set by professionals, contradicting official reports. These revelations have kept the haunting mystery of the Scandinavian Star alive, as families and investigators continue to seek answers and justice.
Sources
For more details, you can visit the Wikipedia article.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Ferry Fire Breaks Out
A fire ignites on the MS Scandinavian Star, resulting in the deaths of 159 people.
Ship Towed to Copenhagen
The burnt MS Scandinavian Star is towed to Copenhagen for further investigation.
Investigation Begins
Oslo police launch an investigation into the fire, initially suspecting a deceased arsonist.
Investigation Reopened
A new investigation reveals multiple fires may have been set, challenging initial findings.
Charges Dropped
Charges against the deceased suspect are dropped as the investigation is officially reopened.
Statute of Limitations Removed
Norwegian Parliament removes the statute of limitations for arson, allowing for future prosecution.
New Evidence Emerges
A retired investigator claims the fire was sabotage, implicating crew members in the incident.
Documentary Airs
A documentary raises new allegations about the fire, prompting renewed interest in the case.
Memorial Unveiled
A permanent memorial for the victims of the Scandinavian Star fire is unveiled in Lysekil.