Axdal calls for accountability as new report criticizes Danish Maritime Authority over Scandinavian Star tragedy

Mike Axdal was a ship painter aboard the Scandinavian Star when a fire broke out on the night of April 7, 1990. While he survived, his father and brother did not. Since then, Axdal has relentlessly sought to uncover the truth about that fateful night. Mixed emotions arose as he reviewed a new report from a task force that harshly criticizes the Danish Maritime Authority for its failure to manage the situation.

Axdal expressed relief upon reading the report, stating that it echoed his concerns from 35 years ago, when he questioned how the ship could set sail with passengers without proper inspections. Over 159 people perished in the fire, which was determined to be arson. Despite several investigations over the years, the perpetrator has yet to be identified.

The task force confirmed that the Maritime Authority neglected its responsibilities, not only failing to inspect the vessel before it was put into service, but also maintaining a conflict of interest for decades as officials handled the case. A 1991 report had already highlighted the authority’s poor oversight.

Axdal expressed his anger at the misleading information provided to higher authorities, which reached the Prime Minister, leading to representations in Parliament that all was well. He believes this indicates a significant cover-up of negligence regarding safety protocols.

As survivors and families of victims pursue legal action against the Maritime Authority, their attorney has stated that the task force’s findings add substantial weight to their case. The report highlights that fewer lives might have been lost had proper inspections occurred.

Axdal hopes the findings will prompt politicians to cease attempts to undermine the 45 Danish and Norwegian survivors and relatives pursuing justice, emphasizing that there appears to have been a systematic effort to protect those who failed in their duties. The Danish government has announced it will review the report in light of these revelations.