Florvag Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The chief mate of the 'Tyrhaug' is set to have his appeal heard at the Frostating Court of Appeal following a prison sentence related to a speedboat accident in Edøyfjorden in 2023. In the original ruling by the Møre og Romsdal District Court, he received a sentence of 90 days in prison on probation along with a fine of 30,000 Norwegian crowns. The court concluded that both he and the master of the vessel, hailing from Trøndelag, demonstrated gross negligence during the crossing from Kristiansund to Trondheim. In response, the chief mate has filed an appeal against both the conviction and the associated liability for reparation.

On February 4, a court delivered sentences of 90 days and 45 days in prison on probation to the captain and chief mate of the 'Tyrhaug'. This ruling follows a serious incident that occurred in June 2023, when the 'Tyrhaug' collided with the workboat 'Frøy Loke' in the waters between Smøla and Aure, resulting in injuries to four individuals. The court found that the two maritime professionals, hailing from Trøndelag and in their 40s and 50s, displayed gross negligence during their navigation between Kristiansund and Trondheim. In a largely traffic-free area of the Edøyfjord, the absence of a lookout was deemed inexcusable. The judges emphasized that this was not a case of momentary distraction or misjudgment; instead, it pointed to a severe lapse in navigational duties, particularly in failing to detect the approaching 'Frøy Loke' before impact. In addition to the prison sentences, the convicted individuals were ordered to pay a combined fine of 60,000 Norwegian crowns and 120,000 Norwegian crowns in compensation to one of the accident’s victims, who sustained partial disability. According to the indictment, the root cause of the collision was attributed to the absence of proper staffing on the speedboat's bridge and the inadequate vigilance of the bridge guard regarding surrounding vessels. Both the captain and chief mate accepted their guilt in the matter. For further details, including photos and videos related to this incident, please visit: https://www.nrk.no/mr/skipperen-og-styrmannen-domde-til-fengsel-etter-hurtigbatkollisjon-1.17251937.

On September 29, 2023, the public prosecutor's office in Møre og Romsdal officially charged two crew members in relation to the June 28 collision involving the fast ferry 'Tyrhaug' and the service vessel 'Frøy Loke'. The accident occurred as the 'Tyrhaug' was navigating its standard route from Kristiansund to Trondheim, carrying 31 passengers and five crew, when it collided with 'Frøy Loke', which had four crew members aboard, just off Ringholmen in Aure municipality, Nordmøre. The charges, filed under Section 356 of the Criminal Code in conjunction with §355, involve allegations of negligent conduct resulting in sea damage that posed a significant threat to human life. Fortunately, the weather conditions on the day of the incident were clear, with good visibility and minimal sea. The incident reportedly stemmed from the 'Tyrhaug's' wheelhouse not being manned according to established protocols, while the helmsman failed to adequately monitor surrounding vessels, as highlighted in the indictment. Both vessels suffered notable hull damage due to the crash. Several individuals required hospitalization following the accident, including two crew members from the 'Tyrhaug'—one seriously injured—and two passengers. Additionally, one crew member from 'Frøy Loke' sustained injuries. Eyewitness accounts from a passenger on the ferry noted a concerning proximity to the service vessel prior to the collision. The upcoming court hearings are set for January 2024, with the Møre and Romsdal district court allocating four days to address the case. As of now, there hasn't been any public response from the defense attorneys representing the accused. In a preliminary report by the National Accident Commission published in February 2024, it was revealed that the crew aboard 'Frøy Loke' did not find the approach of 'Tyrhaug' unusual and believed they were following right-of-way protocols. Despite seeing the ferry approaching steadily, the service vessel's crew felt that the fast ferry had recognized their position and intended to pass at close range, leading them to maintain their speed and course. The report noted that as the situation escalated towards collision, the crew lacked sufficient time to take corrective measures. Investigation findings suggested that if both navigators had been present in the 'Tyrhaug's' bridge, their chances of detecting 'Frøy Loke' might have improved. The ongoing issue of navigational duties against time constraints has been a recurring theme, indicating that the crew sometimes prioritized administrative tasks over vigilant navigation. Mariann Grønseth, managing director of Torghatten Midt, stated that both the management and occupational health services have been actively supporting the crew since the incident. For additional details and photos related to this event, visit: https://www.nrk.no/mr/to-personar-er-tiltalte-etter-at-hurtigbaten-tyrhaug-kolliderte-med-arbeidsbaten-froy-loke-1.16995341.