Police and maritime authorities have launched an investigation after three ships collided off Ålesund on Norway’s west coast during the weekend. Ålesund is a popular cruise port, but the collision involved a tanker and two bulk cargo vessels.
It occurred in the Valderhaugfjord off Ålesund and set off a major emergency response. The vessels involved were the bulkers Bergfjord, and Hav Frakt, along with the oil and chemical products tanker Xanthia. All three vessels are under either Norwegian or Scandinavian management and had from seven to 16 people on board.
State broadcaster NRK ran photos showing the Bergfjord with a damaged bow when it tied up in Ålesund on Sunday, but no one was reported injured in the collision. Norway’s search and rescue service HRS received a mayday call at 1:37am and sent out a helicopter and a rescue vessel, and even the frigate Fridtjof Nansen sailed to the scene, but the crews of all three ships remained on board and there was no need for any evacuations.
Two of the vessels were sailing north and the third south, with reportedly poor visibility at sea. There were no signs of any oil spills or other environmental damage, and no indication of any personnel on the bridge being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Inspectors from the maritime directorate were on board Sunday afternoon, with all three vessels ordered to remain in Ålesund until inspections had been carried out.
NewinEnglish.no staff
