Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Isfjord

On February 5, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m., the oil tanker 'Isfjord', which was en route from Svolvær (Lat. 68.1192, Lng. 14.9302), experienced a critical engine failure, leaving it adrift. The Russian captain of the fully unloaded vessel issued a mayday alert, prompting an immediate response from the Norwegian Search and Rescue (NSSR) teams. Lifeboats from Svolvær and Ballstad were dispatched by the Main Rescue Centre to stabilize the situation involving the tanker, often described as 'a floating gas station' and operated by LNS Spitsbergen's subsidiary, LNS Ocean. With an onshore wind blowing from the southwest, it was imperative to regain control quickly. The lifeboat 'Sundt Flyer' (MMSI: 259192000) was the first to arrive at the scene, closely followed by the larger lifeboat 'Hans Hermann Horn' (MMSI: 257035360), which took on the task of towing the disabled tanker. By 3 a.m. on February 6, the patrol vessel 'Heimdal' (IMO: 9353345) from the Norwegian Coastguard had arrived and took over the tow operation after seven hours of service from 'Hans Hermann Horn'. Later that evening, tug 'Polar Frigg' (IMO: 8714279) departed Harstad and reached the tanker by 5:45 a.m. on February 6, continuing to tow the vessel to safety. As of February 7, the 'Isfjord' was anchored in the vicinity of Lødingen at position 68° 26' N 016° 02' E, remaining stationary while authorities assessed the situation. For live updates, check these links for reports containing photos and videos: - https://www.lofotposten.no/104-meter-lang-tanker-med-motorhavari/s/5-29-1148933?fbclid=IwY2xjawIQymdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRJ7Myw8hca4Kz9_Os-hiqEIyRE5YOQ87ULHGow1OGLyZNDZub7KzdrD3Q_aem_gOY2kvA_yQjNIJFrtRMSAw - https://x.com/i/status/1887247263187279885 - https://www.ht.no/nyheter/i/nylJ8B/maatte-redde-104-meter-lang-tanker