The Molnes: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On July 30, 2015, the fishing vessel 'Molnes' found itself in distress approximately 60 nautical miles northeast of Hopen in the Barents Sea, when its propeller became jammed due to a wire and chain. The vessel promptly called for help from the Norwegian Coast Guard. Although the patrol boat 'Barentshav' was the closest available support, it was engaged in another mission, towing the disabled Ålesunds-trawler 'Havbryn.' Consequently, the Coast Guard deployed the patrol vessel 'Sortland,' which had to divert from its original course and navigate an impressive 380 nautical miles to assist in the towing operation in the far northern Barents Sea. After 36 hours of drifting, 'Sortland' reached the 'Molnes' on July 31 at 3 p.m. The vessel then began towing the compromised trawler towards Honningsvåg, maintaining a substantial distance of 30 nautical miles between both vessels throughout the journey. After a careful tow covering a total of 350 nautical miles to the south, the 'Molnes' successfully arrived at Honningsvåg on August 3. For visual updates and further information, refer to the following Norwegian news reports and galleries: [SMP](http://www.smp.no/naeringsliv/fiskeri/article11375398.ece) and [Shipspotting 1](http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2296480), [Shipspotting 2](http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2297073).

On the morning of July 31, a maritime incident unfolded in the Barents Sea when the trawler Molnes encountered trouble after its propeller became ensnared in a fishing net. At that time, the vessel was located approximately 15 nautical miles southeast of the southern tip of Spitsbergen. In response to the emergency, the Coast Guard ship KV Sortland was dispatched to assist the beleaguered trawler. By the afternoon of August 1, KV Sortland successfully reached the stranded Molnes and began towing it to safety.

On August 16, 2012, a tragic incident unfolded aboard the fishing trawler 'Volstad' as it engaged in cod fishing operations off the coast of Svalbard. The event took place southeast of Hopen, where a crew member suffered severe crush injuries. Despite the crew's desperate efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at 5:30 p.m. after a Super Puma helicopter, dispatched by the Governor of Svalbard with medical professionals on board, arrived at the scene. Following the incident, the 'Volstad' was directed to Tromsø for further assistance.