Historic ship goes down in Funen

Ketch sinks after being towed to harbour

One of Denmark's most legendary ships, Skibet, sank in the harbour in Spodsbjerg after experiencing engine trouble last night.

Skibet (the ship)  – which was Denmark's oldest ketch, dating back to 1880 – was returning to Danish shores from Kiel, Germany last night laden with moselle wine.

The ship ran into trouble in rough seas just after 2am off the island of Ærø. According to the Funen police, the ship's engine conked out after being exposed to water.

READ MORE: Museum selling Viking ships to the public

SOA: Sunk On Arrival
The Funen-based ship was towed to Spodsbjerg Harbour on Langeland island by the defence's rescue services Forsvarets Operationscenter-Redningscentralen (FRC), but sank after it hit a breakwater at the harbour.

The police said there was a hole in the bottom of the ship caused by the collision in the habour. The ship's mast is protruding from the water and its Danish flag remains intact.

None of the ship's crew were injured in the incident.




Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.


  • “It’s possible to lead even though you don’t fit the traditional leadership mold”

    “It’s possible to lead even though you don’t fit the traditional leadership mold”

    Describing herself as a “DEI poster child,” being queer, neurodivergent and an international in Denmark didn’t stop Laurence Paquette from climbing the infamous corporate ladder to become Marketing Vice President (VP) at Vestas. Arrived in 2006 from Quebec, Laurence Paquette unpacks the implications of exposing your true self at work, in a country that lets little leeway for individuality

  • Deal reached to bring more foreign workers to Denmark

    Deal reached to bring more foreign workers to Denmark

    Agreement between unions and employers allows more foreign workers in Denmark under lower salary requirements, with new ID card rules and oversight to prevent social dumping and ensure fair conditions.

  • New association helps international nurses and doctors Denmark

    New association helps international nurses and doctors Denmark

    Kadre Darman was founded this year to support foreign-trained healthcare professionals facing challenges with difficult authorisation processes, visa procedures, and language barriers, aiming to help them find jobs and contribute to Denmark’s healthcare system