Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Lance

On December 8, 2019, at 12:30 a.m., renowned polar explorers Børge Ousland and Mike Horn were successfully brought aboard the research vessel "Lance" after an arduous journey through the icy expanse north of Svalbard. This momentous occasion followed more than 24 hours since the duo met with Aleksander Gamme and Bengt Rotmo, who had been dispatched from the vessel to provide much-needed supplies. After embarking on their daring expedition 87 days prior, Ousland and Horn aimed to traverse the Arctic Ocean from the North Pole back to Svalbard. Throughout their challenging journey, the explorers traveled approximately 1,800 kilometers across perilous drifting ice. Originally, the plan was for Horn and Ousland to navigate the shifting ice to Svalbard, where they intended to be retrieved by Horn's sailboat, "Pangea." However, unpredictable ice conditions prompted the team to send Rotmo and Gamme on December 3 to deliver provisions, as the explorers were on the brink of exhausting their food and fuel supplies. Despite the extreme cold, with temperatures plunging between -26 to -28 degrees Celsius, Horn emerged from the ordeal with frostbite on his fingers and nose, marking this journey as one of his toughest yet. Upon their safe arrival aboard "Lance," the ship swiftly set sail southward to escape the frigid conditions, facing a demanding 100-kilometer trek to the ice edge. Expedition leader Lars Ebbesen utilized satellite imagery from KSAT, meticulously plotting a safe course for the vessel based on the unique ice patterns witnessed during the explorers’ expedition. For more detailed reports and photographs, visit the following links: [T-a.no](https://www.t-a.no/nyheter/2019/12/08/Polfarerne-om-bord-p%C3%A5-%C2%ABLance%C2%BB-%E2%80%93-Vanskeligste-turen-jeg-har-gjort-20565395.ece), [VG.no](https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/4qQPbq/polfarerne-om-bord-paa-lance-se-bildene), [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50705506).

On May 31, 2019, the research vessel 'Lance' experienced an engine malfunction and a loss of electrical power while located northwest of Bjørnøya. In the midst of challenging conditions, which included NW winds gusting at 16 to 18 meters per second and swells reaching 4 to 5 meters, the vessel urgently requested assistance. The Norwegian Coastguard responded promptly, dispatching the patrol boat 'Nordkapp' (MMSI: 257019000) to assist the 'Lance' and initiate a towing operation. However, the inclement weather led to complications when the towing wire became entangled in the ship's propeller, forcing 'Nordkapp' to abandon the towing effort. Subsequently, the vessel 'Sortland' was summoned and successfully reached the 'Lance' later that night. 'Sortland' managed to tow the beleaguered research vessel toward safer waters, as they headed south where calmer weather was anticipated. The 'Lance' was returning to Tromsø after completing a mission to assist salvage personnel investigating the grounded vessel 'Northguider' in the Hinlopen Strait. Ultimately, 'Lance' was secured at Ørndalen near Tromsø by June 4. For further details and photos, visit the report: https://fiskeribladet.no/nyheter/?artikkel=67322.

On June 20, 2010, at precisely 09:08 a.m., a significant fire incident occurred within the laundry facilities of the vessel 'Lance' while it was drydocked at Hamek Yard in Harstad. Emergency services were promptly notified, and the local fire department responded swiftly, managing to control the blaze effectively. The firefighters removed charred materials, including light walls and interior components, to the shore to prevent further hazards. At the time of the fire, the 'Lance' was undergoing its standard five-year class certification and recertification process, ensuring its compliance with maritime safety standards.