Reviews & Ratings for the Sola-Ts

The commander responsible for the watch on the frigate 'Helge Ingstad' has experienced another setback as the Court of Appeal upheld his 60-day suspended prison sentence stemming from a collision with the tanker 'Sola TS'. This decision mirrors the verdict from the district court, and now the watch commander and his legal team are contemplating an appeal to the Supreme Court. The incident occurred on November 8, 2018, when the frigate collided with the 'Sola TS' and sank near the Sture terminal in Øygarden. The watch commander is facing scrutiny for failing to adequately identify and evaluate the approaching 'Sola TS', which ultimately led to the collision. Notably, he is the sole individual prosecuted after the Norwegian Armed Forces agreed to a corporate fine of NOK 10 million. His defender argues that it's unjust for him to bear the blame given that multiple systems failed during the incident. The state prosecution team, led by Magne Kvamme Sylta and Benedikte Høgseth, emphasized the importance of establishing accountability in the case, asserting that navigators on military vessels must adhere to the same standard of due diligence as those on civilian ships. They expressed hopes for a conclusive judgment to bring closure to the criminal proceedings, aiming for a stiff penalty of 120 days, which was ultimately reduced by the court to 60 days' suspended imprisonment.

On May 15, the District Court in Bergen handed a 60-day probation sentence to the watchman aboard the KNM 'Helge Ingstad' following a collision incident involving the vessel 'Sola TS'. The convicted watchman is currently contemplating an appeal against the ruling. The court's decision highlighted the failure to adequately monitor radar systems and the lack of attention to VHF traffic communications. The defense attorney argued that the lieutenant feels it is unjust to attribute full responsibility for the maritime accident to him, given his rank within the command hierarchy.

The Norwegian Public Prosecutor's Office has called for a prison sentence for the watchman aboard the KNM 'Helge Ingstad' following the tragic collision with the tanker 'Sola TS' in November 2018, which led to the frigate's sinking. Prosecutors argue that the 33-year-old watchman exhibited severe negligence during his duty, warranting a proposed sentence of 120 days in prison. This request comes amid ongoing civil proceedings at the Hordaland District Court, where the watchman stands as the sole defendant. A verdict in this highly anticipated trial is expected to be delivered soon, shedding light on the incidents surrounding this maritime disaster and the accountability of those involved.