Skulte pilot ship runs aground as unexpectedly as hearing Liepāja Cathedral organ sound from the courtyard

A situation has developed in Skulte port that proves even the most experienced sailors can get stuck as unexpectedly as tourists who hear the sound of Holy Trinity Cathedral organs from the courtyard for the first time and think something is exploding. The pilot ship, which is usually as reliable as Liepāja's seaside promenade in summer, has ended up on a shoal this time, and the ice mass has tilted it so much that even the ship has started doubting its navigation skills.

A National Armed Forces helicopter was involved in the rescue operation because due to complicated weather conditions, the ship could not be reached either on foot or by boats. This is about as complicated as trying to get to Riga city center without traffic jams — theoretically possible, but in practice requiring miracles and aviation. All five crew members were rescued and taken to Zvejniekciems stadium, where medics awaited them to ensure that stress had not caused lasting damage.

The State Environmental Service has explained with scientific precision that the stains visible on the water surface in photographs are not petroleum products, but organic dust from wood and peat handling. This is about as convincing as explaining that Liepāja's wind is just a light breeze. The SES indicated that no petroleum products were detected, which is really good news, because otherwise Skulte port would have become a second-rate Liepāja imitation.

The ship is now at the pier, and no damage to its hull has been detected, proving that even running aground can end better than an average Riga driver's attempt to exit a parking space. Skulte port, which is the fourth largest port in Latvia, continues to prove that even smaller places can create dramas as big as those of the capital's politicians.