Working Conditions Aboard the Norderveg

On February 25, 2023, at 8:20 PM UTC, the fishing vessel 'Norderveg' issued a Mayday call after experiencing significant water ingress approximately 260 miles west of Dingle, with the coordinates 52 09 25.0 N, 16 31 00.0 W. At 10:05 PM, the water level on the trawler had risen to an alarming 2.8 meters. Quick to respond, the nearby fishing vessel 'Kings Bay' arrived at 8:45 PM to deliver much-needed pumps. By 3:20 AM on February 26, the water level had decreased to 2 meters, despite worsening weather conditions characterized by gusts of 15 meters per second and swells reaching 3 meters. The situation escalated as the fishing vessel 'Gunnar Langva' (IMO: 9840489) arrived on the scene at 10:35 PM, delivering two additional pumps to bolster efforts in stabilizing the 'Norderveg'. Shortly thereafter, at 11:05 PM, the vessel 'Hargun' (IMO: 9171010) joined the operation, adding yet another pump to the rescue efforts, bringing the total to five pumps working to drain the water. The 'Norderveg' was en route to Killybegs to procure more efficient pumping equipment and to investigate the source of the water ingress. With all pumps actively operational, the water level reduced to 1.7 meters. The crew was also advised that a Search and Rescue helicopter from Ireland was on standby should further assistance be needed. By 8:15 AM, the water level continued to drop to approximately 1.5 meters, and the crew adeptly repositioned pumps deeper into the affected compartment to expedite the removal of water. As of midday on February 27, the 'Norderveg' was successfully navigating towards Killybegs, with two vessels remaining in the area to provide aid if necessary.