A 29-year-old man received a suspended prison sentence for allegedly igniting a garbage can on the cruise ferry Viking Grace, which was carrying over 1,000 passengers at the time. The incident occurred during a December 2024 voyage when the suspect set fire to the can in a seldom-used onboard bar at night. Fortunately, the fire self-extinguished without causing further damage.
Prosecutors reported that surveillance footage captured the suspect using a lighter to ignite the garbage. Crew members later discovered the burnt smell, leading to an investigation. The suspect was arrested by security and taken ashore in the Aland Islands, where he faced charges of attempted sabotage.
During the trial, he acknowledged his presence in the footage but claimed he had no recollection of the event due to intoxication from a Christmas party on the ship. A security guard confirmed his drunken state at the time of arrest. The court found him guilty, sentencing him to six months in prison, along with court fees. He stated he has since given up alcohol.
