Finland begins complex operation to remove oil from sunken warship

Finnish authorities have launched a challenging operation to remove roughly 100,000 litres of light fuel oil from the wreck of the armoured ship Ilmarinen, sunk during World War II near Utö island in the northern Baltic Sea, state broadcaster Yle reports.

The Finnish Environment Institute describes the vessel, which struck a naval mine and sank in September 1941, as one of the Baltic Sea’s most environmentally hazardous wrecks due to the oil still in its tanks. Navy divers will carry out the extraction, supported by the multipurpose vessel Louhi, equipped with specialised oil response gear.

Planning and drills for the operation have spanned several years. Officials cite the wreck’s depth and exposure to heavy maritime traffic as key difficulties. Contingency measures for potential oil spill response are in place, and authorities have emphasised respecting the site as a war grave, as 271 sailors perished in the sinking.

The operation is expected to conclude in late July or early August, with results to be disclosed afterward. Authorities have requested undisturbed conditions in the work area to ensure safety.