Bequia-Express-3 Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On March 11, 2021, the ferry 'Baldur', which operates on the Stykkisholmur to Breiðafjörður route, encountered significant challenges while crossing Denmark Bay in Western Iceland. The vessel broke down during its journey to Stykkisholmur and began drifting westward in adverse weather conditions. Fortunately, the fishing support vessel 'Árni Friðriksson' (IMO: 9192404) quickly responded to the distress call, providing initial tow assistance to the stricken ferry. As night fell, Icelandic Coast Guard vessel 'Thor' joined the rescue efforts around 10 p.m., ready to assist in towing 'Baldur' back to safety when the weather conditions became more favorable. In the midst of this emergency, the Coast Guard helicopter squadron remained on high alert in Stykkishólmur, even offering to transport passengers ashore. However, all 20 passengers and eight crew members opted to stay aboard the ferry until help arrived. Later that night, tugboat 'Phoenix' (IMO: 9793155) assumed the towing duties, aiding in the recovery of the ferry. The rescue operations were further bolstered by the mobilization of the rescue ship 'Björgin' from the Landsbjörg Accident Prevention Association. After enduring more than a day at sea, the 'Baldur' successfully reached Stykkishólmur at 7 p.m. on March 12, significantly longer than the usual three-hour crossing time. As the situation unfolded, the Coast Guard's 'Thor' played a key role in ensuring the safety and swift return of the ferry to the quay. For further updates, including photos and videos from the incident, you can visit the following links: [LHG](https://www.lhg.is/frettir-og-fjolmidlar/frettasafn/frettayfirlit/taug-komin-a-milli-arna-og-baldurs), [RUV](https://www.ruv.is/frett/2021/03/12/baldur-loks-i-hofn), [Mbl](https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2021/03/12/hundinum_ekki_um_sel_i_baldri/).

On March 29, the Norwegian ferry 'Lødingen' officially commenced its service on the Svolvaer-Skrova route in the afternoon. This operation comes in the wake of significant disruptions caused by a technical issue on the ferry 'Vågan', which led to all departures on the Svolvaer-Skrova-Skutvik line being suspended until further notice. The 'Vågan' was subsequently towed to Svolvaer by the rescue vessel 'Kaptain Skaugen'. The first journey of the 'Lødingen' set sail at approximately 4:45 PM, offering a much-needed connection for passengers. For more details, read the full report [here](http://www.an.no/nyheter/article5547455.ece).