The 30 meter long tugboat FFS Achilles sank off Skjolnes near Farsund, Norway. The FFS Achilles had run aground and suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The crew alerted authorities who dispatched a lifeboat to the scene. Before the lifeboat arrived, the three crew abandoned ship and rescued.
The FFS Achilles continue to flood and later sank. Authorities monitored the area and stated there were no signs of a spill. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the owner has begun salvage plans to recover the tug.
The 22 meter long fishing vessel Fetske – LO14 became disabled off Schiermonnikoog, Netherlands. The Fetske had suffered engine failure and had gone adrift. The crew requested assistance with the KNRM lifeboat from Lauwersoog responding. The KNRM lifeboat took the Fetske under tow and proceeded to bring the fishing vessel back to port. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On January 25, the 57 meter long fish carrier Fisktrans ran aground and sank near Bodo, Norway. In stormy seas the Fisktrans had become disabled and went adrift. The fish carrier had its steering system fail and the crew tried in vain make repairs. Authorities were alerted dispatching a rescue boat and helicopter to the scene.
With strong winds pushing the vessel quickly towards nearby shallow water, the crew dropped the anchor hoping to keep the Fisktrans off the rocks. The crew hoped the anchor would hold and the vessel would ride out the storm, but the fish carrier had struck bottom. The stern of the Fisktrans had been damaged allowing water ingress.
A Sea King helicopter arrived on scene along with the fishing vessel Gularøy. The helicopter was unable to hoist the crew off the aft deck of Fisktrans as conditions were too rough. Instead, the crew of six had to jump into the sea one by one and then lifted to safety. No reports of injuries.
Photo: nrk.no
Reports state the vessel sank afterwards by the stern. Authorities will determine if the fish carrier can be salvaged.
