On the evening of November 29, the 70 meter long, 1079 dwt fishing vessel Gadus Neptun (IMO: 9640982) ran aground in the Raftsundet off Brottøya, Norway. Reports state the Gadus Neptun was able to pull itself free with no signs of damage or pollution released. The NSSR dispatched the 15 meter long lifeboat Sundt Flyer (MMSI: 259192000) which safely escorted the trawler to Svolvær. There the Gadus Neptun will be inspected by divers for any damage. No reports of injuries.
On the afternoon of August 19, the 24 meter long, 150 gt high-speed catamaran passenger ship Falkefjell (IMO: 9605346) became disabled on Vargsundet north of Lille Lerresfjord, Norway. The Falkefjell was underway from Hammerfest to Alta with 10 passengers when the vessel struck a whale. Passengers reported they felt a thud before spotting the whale thrashing in the water. Witnesses stated seeing large amounts of blood in the water before the whale perished and sank below the surface. There were no injuries on the Falkefjell, but the impact had damaged the passenger ship as the vessel had lost engine power and went adrift.
Reports stated a service boat from a nearby fish farm, the 193 gt passenger ship Hornøy (IMO: 9768980) and the 13 meter long NSSR lifeboat Utvær (MMSI: 257959900) were to the aid of the disabled Falkefjell. The 10 passengers were transferred off to the Hornøy and proceeded to Hammerfest. The Utvær took the Falkefjell under tow and proceeded to Hammerfest. No details of the extent of damage caused by the incident, but no water ingress was reported.
On the evening of July 20, the 13 meter long NSSR rescue boat Bjarne Kyrkjebø (MMSI: 258150500) was dispatched to assist a vessel in distress off Austevoll, Norway. The vessel (name was not disclosed) had sent out a distress call that it had suffered water ingress and needed assistance. The two crew onboard were later rescued with no injuries. The Bjarne Kyrkjebø assisted in dewatering the vessel with pumps. The vessel was later towed to shore. No reports of damage or pollution released.
