Skandi-Forza Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The site of a tragic helicopter crash off the coast of Svalbard has been the focal point of a significant recovery operation. On October 26, 2017, a Russian MI-8 helicopter went down into the sea while en route from Pyramid in Longyearbyen to Barentsburg, carrying eight individuals – five crew members and three Russian researchers. The wreckage was located at a depth of 209 meters, approximately two to three kilometers off the coast of Barentsburg. The specialized offshore vessel 'Maersk Forza' arrived at the site on the morning of November 2 to facilitate the salvage operation. In a search effort that spanned days, recovery teams used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to help identify the wreckage and tragically discovered one body around 130 meters from the helicopter itself. This body was subsequently retrieved by another vessel, the 'G.O. Sars', and transported back to Longyearbyen. Equipped with a robust 250-tonne hydramarine crane, the 'Maersk Forza' played a pivotal role in the recovery. The salvage operation commenced on November 3 and concluded successfully on November 4, with thorough oversight from the Norwegian Accident Investigation Board. Accredited representatives from the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) and the Government Accident Investigation Board (SHT) were also present, stressing the international cooperation involved in the operation. A specialist from the manufacturer of the helicopter was onboard the 'Maersk Forza' to ensure that the integrity of the aircraft was maintained during the salvage process. Additionally, divers from Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) contributed valuable assistance to minimize the risk of losing any parts of the wreckage. For more detailed accounts, visit these links for photo and video coverage: [VG](https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/luftfart/slik-ser-helikoptervraket-ut-etter-styrten-paa-svalbard/a/24174531/) and [NRC](https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2017/11/04/neergestortte-russische-legerhelikopter-geborgen-a1579981) and [Maritime Denmark](https://maritimedanmark.dk/?Id=36446).