Ng-Worker Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

A skilled team of deep ocean salvage professionals has successfully located and retrieved a downed MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter that tragically crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on November 10, 2023, during a routine training exercise. The incident was caused by an in-flight emergency leading to the helicopter's descent. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68, with the involvement of experts from the Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), Phoenix International, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 (EODMU 8), along with the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC). On December 8, the salvage operation began aboard the vessel identified as 'NG Worker', which made its way to the crash site. Equipped with advanced underwater survey and recovery technology, the team utilized the Deep Drone remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which weighs 4,100 pounds and is capable of conducting mid-water salvage at depths of up to 8,000 feet. The ill-fated MH-60 Blackhawk, which was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, was carrying five special operations aviation Soldiers at the time of the crash. Sadly, all Soldiers on board lost their lives in the incident. During initial search and recovery operations, the remains of two Soldiers were retrieved, and subsequently, the remains of the three additional Soldiers were also recovered. These remains will be transported to Dover Air Force Base and returned to their families, although the identities of the deceased will remain confidential until next of kin have been notified. The investigation into the cause of this unfortunate crash is currently ongoing.

On November 10, 2023, the U.S. Navy contracted the offshore vessel 'NG Worker' to spearhead the search and recovery mission for an Army Blackhawk helicopter that tragically went down in the Mediterranean Sea. The incident occurred during a routine training exercise, resulting in the loss of five Soldiers from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. The 'NG Worker' is currently docked in Augusta, Sicily, and is scheduled to depart for the crash site in the coming days. The vessel will be equipped with the U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving team, which will utilize advanced technology, including a shallow water intermediate search system (SWISS) and a towed pinger locator (TPL) to locate the submerged aircraft. For the recovery operations, salvage experts will deploy the Deep Drone remote-operated vehicle (ROV). Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, with efforts focused on understanding the cause of this tragic event.

On April 19, 2015, the fishing vessel "Stortinn Junior", measuring 35 feet, was successfully lifted from the depths off Røst, where it had sunk on April 6. At approximately 3 p.m., the wreck was raised by the salvage ship "Seabed Worker" from a depth of 61 meters. Tragically, the body of the vessel's skipper, who had been missing following the incident, was discovered within the wreck. The remains are scheduled to be transported to Bodø for identification and autopsy. The recovery operation by the "Seabed Worker" commenced on April 16, 2015, with the "Stortinn Junior" located on the seabed the morning of April 10. Following the recovery, officials from the police department along with personnel from the State's casualty commission will conduct a thorough technical examination of the vessel. Notably, one survivor was rescued; the 19-year-old grandson of the deceased was discovered sitting at the bow of the "Stortinn Junior" when rescuers arrived. Further updates and images can be found in the Norwegian report at NRK: http://www.nrk.no/nordland/rost-sjarken-hevet-sondag-ettermiddag-1.12317574.