What Crew Members Say About Polfoss

In the wake of the grounding incident involving the vessel 'Polfoss' in Sandnessjøen, authorities have initiated a thorough investigation. A police patrol boarded the ship to conduct interviews with both the captain and the mate. Concerned about the potential influence of alcohol, the captain requested that blood samples be taken from the crew of nine to eliminate any doubts regarding alcohol consumption at the time of the grounding. Following breathalyzer tests, no evidence of drinking was found among the crew members. However, earlier statements from the captain, who was reportedly asleep during the incident, indicated that the first officer may have fallen asleep as well. Investigators will determine the accuracy of this claim as the investigation proceeds. Once a full inspection is completed, the 'Polfoss' is scheduled to continue its journey to Ålesund as originally planned. For additional details, follow the Norwegian report with photos here: http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nordland/1.8399688.

On the morning of November 16, 2012, the cargo vessel 'Polfoss' ran aground while navigating the waters between Tromsø and Ålesund, specifically at Austbø in the Alstahaug region. Crucially, data reveals that the ship was operating at a considerable speed of approximately 13 knots when it struck the shore. The crew swiftly contacted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at 6:37 a.m. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the nine crew members aboard nor was there any immediate threat to the vessel, which was loaded with 1,800 tons of frozen fish. The 'Polfoss' was stuck on a sandy bottom, allowing for a potential salvage operation. With the next high tide approaching at 11:15 a.m., efforts to refloat the vessel were initiated successfully. The tugs 'Boa Siw' and 'Boa Tyr' assisted in escorting the 'Polfoss' from its grounding site at the northern tip of Sørøya to Sandnessjøen, where it arrived and docked by noon. The 'Polfoss' had departed from Stamsund the previous evening, November 15, at 6 p.m. For further details, refer to the original Norwegian reports with accompanying photographs at NRK [link] and HL Blad [link].