Residents of the small coastal community of Meløy, south of Bodø, were in mourning on Sunday after a pleasure boat ran aground and sank during the night with nine young people on board. Two were killed and seven injured.
Meløy Mayor Sigurd Stormo described it as “a terrible accident” that was first reported shortly after 1am. Kjetil Kaalaas, operations leader for the Nordland police district, told state broadcaster NRK that survivors said the boat hit a svaberg (smooth, low-lying rocks at sea or along the shore) just west of Ørnes. The boat was so badly damaged that it then sank.
Police wouldn’t reveal more details of how the nighttime collision occurred, pending results of their investigation. The weather in the area has been clear and warm despite its location north of the Arctic circle.
“We have secured the boat, we’re taking photos and questioning those involved,” Kaalaas told NRK. “They are deeply shaken by the incident, so further questioning will resume at a later time.” Four of the survivors were sent to the hospital in Bodø, while the three others were treated at a local emergency clinic.
Several rescue boats, the Coast Guard, divers, ambulances and air ambulances took part in the emergency response. Stormo said a crisis team had been set up at the local town hall and the local church would open as a meeting place for mourners.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
