What Crew Members Say About Utsira

On July 9, 2025, the ferry 'Utsira' experienced unexpected technical issues, forcing it out of commission between Haugesund and Utsira for urgent repairs. To mitigate the disruption, the 'Røværfjord,' a fast boat, stepped in to ensure continued service, commencing its sailings from Haugesund at 4:15 p.m. on July 10, 2025. The timeline for the Utsira’s return to service remains uncertain as repairs are underway.

On the morning of December 20, 2019, the ferry 'Utsira,' which provides crucial transportation between the island of Utsira and Haugesund in Rogaland, experienced an allision with a pier at Utsira. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries; however, the vessel sustained significant damage leading to it being sidelined in Haugesund. As a result, ferry services between Haugesund and Utsira have been temporarily suspended. To alleviate the disruption, the ferry 'Fjordøy,' which typically serves the Feøy route, has been redirected to assist. It's important to note that 'Fjordøy' operates with stricter wave height limitations compared to the 'Utsira.' In response to the incident, a lifeboat was deployed, along with divers, to conduct a thorough examination of the hull for potential damage.

The ferry route connecting Haugesund and Utsira faced disruption on January 14, 2013, around 8 p.m., when the 'Utsira' experienced a sudden engine failure shortly after departing from the dock at Garpaskjær in Haugesund. Following a loud bang, the ferry lost power and became uncontrollable. Attempts by the crew to lower the anchor were unsuccessful as the vessel drifted from the pier at Risøy towards Hasseløy, ultimately colliding with the dock of the Sjøfartsdirektoratet and a nearby supply vessel. Fortunately, no injuries were reported aboard the disabled ferry, which was not carrying any passengers at that moment. However, the collision resulted in significant damage to both the dock and the ferry’s hull above the waterline. The lifeboat 'Bergen Kreds' responded swiftly, towing the damaged ferry to the quay for urgent technical inspections. Divers later discovered that a tire and a chain had lodged in the propulsion gear, resulting in the unexpected malfunction. Such obstructions are common at piers in the Smeda Sound, where they are typically used as fenders for boats. Following the incident, ferry operators remained optimistic about resuming service to Utsira by the morning of January 15. However, the first scheduled sailing at 6:30 a.m. was ultimately canceled, leading to the suspension of all ferry services for that day. In response, the ferry 'Røværfjord' was prepared to take over the route as soon as possible, pending approval from the Norwegian Maritime Directorate to operate in winter conditions. Reports and updates, including photos and video coverage, can be found at NRK and H-Avis.

On January 14 at approximately 20:00 local time, the ferry Utsira experienced a malfunction shortly after departing from its berth in Haugesund, Norway. The vessel's engine failure led to an unfortunate drift, resulting in a collision with the pier that caused damage to both the ferry's hull and the infrastructure. Fortunately, no passengers were aboard at the time of the incident. The rescue boat Bergen promptly came to assist the Utsira, helping it to safely dock. The ferry is scheduled for repairs before resuming its service. For additional images, please visit http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/rogaland/haugaland/1.10872944.