Bomb Squad Called to Cruise Ship at Kiel After Explosives Trace Found in Ship's Stores

A bomb disposal squad was called to the Port of Kiel (LOCODE: DEKEL) on Wednesday after a security check detected traces of explosives on a consignment of ship's stores destined for the cruise ship Mein Schiff Relax (IMO: 9862657).

The vessel, operated by German cruise line TUI, was cleared within around two hours and departed on schedule.

Inspection by Bomb Squad

At approximately 1300 hours on Wednesday, four pallets of ship's stores loaded with rolls of steel cable, were being inspected in the terminal parking lot at Kiel's Ostseekai. During the pre-loading security check, an explosives detector triggered on the consignment. Police confirmed the alarm to RTL.

At the time, a portion of the ship's 2,000 passengers were already on board. As a precautionary measure, the port side of the vessel was evacuated, with passengers moving to the starboard side of the ship. Port staff established a safety cordon of approximately 150 metres in every direction around the affected area.

A bomb disposal squad attended and carried out an inspection. The all-clear was given at approximately 1515 hours. The ship was then allowed to resume departure preparations and sailed for Oslo (LOCODE: NOOSL) at 1900 hours as scheduled.

AIS data confirms the vessel has since arrived in Oslo.

TUI statement

In a statement to local media, TUI said:

"In accordance with applicable safety procedures, the relevant authorities were immediately informed. As a precautionary measure, the terminal and certain areas of the ship were temporarily evacuated to allow for the necessary inspections."