On the afternoon of March 28, the 88 meter long, 2600 dwt cargo vessel Wilson Rotterdam (IMO: 9557381) became disabled in the North Sea near Bergen, Norway. The Wilson Rotterdam was headed to Esbjerg from Porsgrunn when it suffered an engine breakdown and power blackout. The cargo vessel went adrift, but the crew was able to complete repairs and restore power. Reports state authorities had tugs and rescue vessels on standby. Authorities have stated there would be an investigation into the incident.
On the evening of September 27, the 36 meter long, 499 gt fishing vessel Havfjord (IMO: 9897860) caught fire in the North Sea near Bergen, Norway. Authorities received a distress call that the vessel was ablaze and in danger. The vessel reported the five person crew on board were unable to extinguish the blaze and were abandoning ship into the vessel’s life raft. Helicopters from the nearby oil platforms along with patrol vessels launched a search and rescue for the crew. Within an hour, a helicopter found the five crew and was able to lift them to safety. Two crew had sustained smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Multiple vessels found the burning Havfjord still afloat. Attempts to extinguish the blaze were unsuccessful as the fire consumed the superstructure. Reports state the fire was finally extinguished but flared up again the next day. The owner of the Havfjord states the vessel is a total loss. The Havfjord was built in 2022 at Karstensen Shipyard.
On March 10, the 57 foot long fishing vessel Bergen was wrecked along the shore in Squalicum Harbor, Washington. The Bergen was berthed in Bellingham Bay when 70 mph winds caused the mooring lines to snap. The wind blew the fishing vessel away from the dock and onto the seawall. The three crew on board awoke to find the vessel going to pieces. Two were able to don their survival suits before jumping into the sea. The third had to dive into the water before he could put his suit on. All three were later rescued by the Coast Guard. No reports of injuries. Authorities placed a boom around the sunken Bergen to contain any pollution released.
