What Crew Members Say About Norvind

In the early hours of January 25, 2019, a maritime incident unfolded off Rügen Island, approximately 15 kilometers east of Sassnitz, when the bulk carrier 'Norvind' collided with the container vessel 'Beate'. Weather conditions at the time were characterized by a southwest wind of 3-4 Beaufort, snowfall, and a calm sea. The collision caused significant water ingress in the 'Norvind', which sustained a puncture on its starboard side near cargo hold 1. In response, the captain issued a mayday signal and initiated evacuation procedures. Rescue efforts were promptly coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), dispatching lifeboats from the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) stations in Sassnitz and Greifswalder Oie, along with a helicopter from Northern Helicopters for support. Fortunately, the 'Norvind' crew managed to control the water influx using onboard pumps. Initial assessments indicated potential leakage below the waterline, but the full extent of the damage remained undetermined. The 'Norvind' had a crew of 10, while the 'Beate', with 13 seafarers aboard, reported no injuries among the personnel. Both vessels, with assistance from the lifeboats 'Vormann Jantzen' and 'Berthold Beitz', made their way to Sassnitz-Mukran port at reduced speeds. The 'Norvind' arrived at 7 a.m., followed closely by the 'Beate', which experienced only minor damage at the bow, docking at berth 7. The 'Norvind' was en route from Sassnitz-Mukran, having departed at 2:50 a.m. towards Gdansk, while the 'Beate' had set sail from Szczecin the previous night at 10:20 p.m., destined for Bremerhaven with an estimated time of arrival on January 26 at 6 a.m. Despite its bow damage, the 'Beate' resumed its journey from Mukran at 3 p.m. on January 25, heading toward Bremerhaven. It subsequently entered Norder Yard in Hamburg for repairs on January 29. The 'Norvind', which incurred a 4x4 meter hole in its hull, left the port of Mukran at 4:30 p.m. on January 29, bound for Gdynia, and docked at Stocznia Dockyard later that evening. Authorities have initiated investigations against the captains of both vessels for potential negligence, particularly focusing on the right of way rules that may have been disregarded. The estimated damage from the collision has been stated to be well into six figures. Repair work on the 'Beate' was completed by February 15, after which it arrived at the Container Terminal Altenwerder in Hamburg at 9:45 a.m., with its next destination set for Bremerhaven, expected on February 16.

On June 15, 2015, the bulk carrier 'Norvind' played a pivotal role in rescuing a 54-foot cabin cruiser that was found in a perilous situation. At around 4 p.m., the vessel was taking on water in choppy conditions approximately 4-5 miles east of the iconic Lindesnes lighthouse, with two individuals on board. The situation prompted a distress call, leading to the mobilization of several lifeboats, including 'Ægir' from Farsund, along with 'Bill' and 'Sundt' from Mandal. Upon arrival, rescuers discovered that the 'Norvind' had already come to the cruiser’s aid, securing it to its hull to prevent it from sinking. The cabin cruiser was severely compromised, with the engine room flooded and the stern submerged. Two crew members from the rescue teams boarded the distressed vessel equipped with pumps to remove the excess water. By 5:30 p.m., the cruiser was stabilized sufficiently to initiate towing operations. It was escorted back to safety in Høllen alongside the 'Ægir' and under the watchful eye of the 'Bill'. For further details, you can view the complete Norwegian report along with photographs here: http://www.aftenbladet.no/nyheter/lokalt/agder/Cabincruiser-tok-inn-vann-utenfor-Lindesnes-3719636.html

On November 24, an incident occurred when a vessel ran aground off the coast of Jomfruland, leading to criticism aimed at the ship's captain for failing to alert Tjøme Radio after the grounding took place at 10 p.m. Surprisingly, Tjøme Radio did not receive notification of the emergency until close to midnight, a delay deemed unusual for such situations. This incident marked the first time in Norway that a captain neglected to contact the emergency service following a grounding in these waters, where Tjøme Radio maintains a list of nearby rescue boats readily available for assistance. Typically, they can promptly dispatch tugs, rescue boats, and other support through the Rescue Coordination Centre located in Sola. Instead of following protocol, the 38-year-old captain opted to communicate with Karmøy Skipsconsult. Consequently, Tjøme Radio only learned about the grounding from the traffic center in Brevik two hours post-accident. A mix-up occurred when Karmøy Skipsconsult initially sent an email to Horten VTS at 10:40 p.m.; upon realizing the mistake, they redirected it to Brevik VTS at 10:55 p.m. Although a tug was dispatched shortly after, it had to pause in Langesund to pick up a pilot. Fortunately, the ship, identified as the 'Norvind,' was refloated at 1:40 a.m. on November 24, and divers inspected its hull for damage later that day. Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the nine crew members onboard. The 'Norvind' is currently docked in Kragerø and is scheduled to load a cargo of stone destined for Denmark. For further details, read the Norwegian report with accompanying photos: http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/ostafjells/telemark/1.7889447