Crisis Control on the Bastoe-I Amidst Storm and Covid Challenges

Bastoe-I recently faced a series of significant challenges, including a Covid-19 outbreak among its crew and damaging incidents during a storm. On December 2, a crew member tested positive for Covid-19, prompting stringent preventative measures. Fortunately, the ferry was taken out of service on November 27, ensuring that passengers were not exposed to the risk of infection, thanks to the proactive response from Bastø Fosen and Horten municipality’s infection tracking team.

A few weeks later, on January 14, 2020, Bastoe-I encountered a crisis at sea when a trailer onboard overturned during a rough crossing of the Oslo Fjord. The incident occurred just ten minutes into the journey from Horten to Moss, resulting in severe damage to at least one vehicle and injuries to the truck driver. Wind speeds were reported at a striking 23.2 meters per second, contributing to the challenges faced by the crew and passengers aboard.

Emergency services responded quickly, and the fire brigade was on site to manage the situation, addressing diesel leakage from the overturned trailer and ensuring the safety of all on board. In the aftermath, Bastø Fosen cancelled departures of the Bastoe-I while launching a formal investigation into the accident. While the ferry service on the critical route experienced disruption, other vessels continued to operate normally, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of maritime transport services amid crises.

The combination of the health and safety issues related to Covid-19 and the physical challenges presented by harsh weather underscores the importance of robust crisis preparedness and response strategies in the maritime industry.