Bomb Threat Forces Scandlines to Interrupt Service

Scandlines' ferry operations between Sweden, Denmark and Germany were briefly interrupted Wednesday after a telephoned bomb threat forced police to search multiple vessels. 

The threat was reportedly not specific about which vessel or route might be affected, and as a precaution, Scandlines temporarily suspended voyages between Denmark and Germany and evacuated vessels in the Danish port town of Roedby. "All ferry operations have been suspended, and the ferries will be emptied as soon as the police allows them to go to port," the firm said in a statement early Wednesday. 

"It all took place very quietly and without drama. People have been patient and taken the whole situation nicely," local police inspector Kim Kliver said in a statement to Ekstra Bladet, adding that traffic near Roedby and Gedser was affected. The police will maintain a presence at ferry terminals and continue their investigation; the exact nature of the threat has not been released to the public, but European security agencies are on high alert after a string of terrorist attacks in crowded public areas. 

In a passenger advisory Wednesday afternoon, Scandlines said that services on its Helsingør, Gedser and Roedby routes have resumed, though departures will be irregular for the rest of the day.