A floating Dutch museum ship that tells the history of the Bible apparently lacked any divine protection when it tried sailing out of Oslo on Friday. It collided with a coast guard vessel, was badly damaged and had to be towed back to the pier.
The vessel, named after the legendary Noah’s Ark, had been in Oslo since May 10, with its visit timed to take part in anniversary celebrations for the publisher of the Norwegian Bible in late May.
Per Rostad of the Norwegian Coast Guard told state broadcaster NRK that the collision occurred when the ship was supposed to be moved and towed onto a barge, for its transport farther down the coast. The coast guard vessel Nornen also sustained some damage, but not as badly as the museum vessel, which was left with a gaping hole on its starboard side.
Rostad said he had no reports of injuries. The damaged ark had to be towed back to the pier.
“Now we’ll wait for a report from our personnel who were involved in the incident,” Rostad said. “When we get it, we’ll decide what we’ll do next.” The vessel’s own management had no immediate comment on the collision, reported news bureau NTB.
newsinenglish.no staff
