Storms and groundings – who pays when an accident occurs?
Extreme weather is becoming increasingly common along the Swedish coasts. With storms and strong winds, the risk of groundings, damage in harbours and destroyed boats also increases. But who is actually responsible when an accident happens – the boat owner, the harbour or the insurance company? Båtjuristen.se clarifies the legal situation.
Increased weather pressure on boating
In recent years, Sweden has been hit by several severe storms that have caused extensive damage to both boats and marine facilities. At the same time, the number of boats is increasing, which means that more people are affected when the forces of nature strike.
For boat owners, a storm can mean anything from minor scratches to completely destroyed boats. But it is not always obvious who should cover the costs when an accident occurs.
Who is responsible?
Liability for storm or grounding damage depends on several factors:
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The boat owner is responsible for ensuring that the boat is in good condition, properly moored and insured. If this is lacking, the owner may be held personally liable.
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The harbour owner may be liable if the damage has occurred due to poor jetties, inadequate mooring facilities or lack of maintenance.
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The insurance company often covers damage, but the terms vary – especially when it comes to storm damage or negligence on the part of the boat owner.
In some cases, several parties can be held liable at the same time, which often leads to legal disputes.
Common disputes in connection with storm damage
Båtjuristen.se repeatedly encounters conflicts in three main areas:
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Damage to neighbouring boats – for example, when a poorly moored boat breaks loose and causes damage to adjacent boats.
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Insurance rejections – the insurance company claims that the damage was caused by negligence and is therefore not covered.
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Harbour disputes – disagreements about the harbour’s responsibility for inadequate protection or maintenance.
These cases can become both time-consuming and costly for boat owners who have already been hit hard financially by the damage.