Three vessels collide in Norway: One vessel takes on water

A tanker and two cargo vessels collided in Valderhaugfjorden, off the coast of Ålesund, Norway. The accident was reported at 01:37 on October 4 following an emergency call made via coastal radio.

The Norwegian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (HRS) stated that three vessels, ranging between 80 and 147 metres in length, were involved in the accident. Two of the vessels were reportedly sailing northbound, while the other was heading south.

Following the collision, the Norwegian Navy’s KNM Fridtjof Nansen, rescue teams, civilian vessels and a rescue helicopter were dispatched to the area. However, as there was no need to evacuate the crews, the helicopter returned to its base.

One vessel took on water

All three vessels were damaged in the collision, while one of them reportedly began taking on water through its hull. Two of the vessels managed to reach a pier in Ålesund under their own power, while the third vessel anchored in the fjord. The rescue operation was concluded after the vessels reached safe locations.

Norwegian police said that the vessels involved in the accident were Hav Frakt, Bergfjord and Xanthia. Bergfjord, operated by Netherlands-based Royal Wagenborg, was among the vessels involved in the collision, while the Norwegian-flagged tanker Xanthia was reported to be 147 metres long. A total of 30 crew members were on board the three vessels, and no injuries were reported.

Cause of collision under investigation

No official determination has yet been made regarding the cause of the collision. Dark conditions and poor visibility were reported in the area at the time of the incident. Police have begun taking statements from the crews and are also examining the vessels’ tracking data to determine their movements before the collision.

Police said that alcohol tests were administered to some of the crew members, and no evidence of alcohol use was found in the tests.