Vaagan Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On January 13, 2026, the ferry 'Vågan', which operates on the Rødøybassenget route, faced unexpected technical issues, leading to the cancellation of its services. In the meantime, the 'Fjordcruise' (MMSI: 257359700) took over passenger transportation on the route until further notice. For bookings, passengers can reach the vessel at 91111743. It’s important to note that due to mandatory rest periods, the 'Fjordcruise' was docked at Tonnes from 10:35 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

The ferry Åfjord will be sidelined for an extended period as it undergoes repairs due to the damage sustained from a grounding incident at Finneset in Øksfjord. Investigations are still ongoing to determine if the accident was linked to the first officer's health issues. Efforts to refloat the ferry were made by the lifeboat Oskar Tybring IV; however, these attempts were unsuccessful due to falling water levels since the grounding. On the morning of December 1, the Åfjord was successfully refloated, and divers, acting on the ferry company's request, conducted a thorough inspection of the hull. Fortunately, they found no leaks or significant breaches, though several dents were noted. To maintain service, a ferry with similar capacity is en route and expected to begin operations between Hasvik and Øksfjord in West Finnmark within the week. In the interim, a smaller capacity ferry is temporarily servicing the route. For additional details and updates, refer to the Norwegian report featuring photographs: http://www.nrk.no/nordnytt/ma-pa-verksted-etter-grunnstoting-1.12075766.

On the morning of December 1, at 9 a.m., the ferry Åfjord was successfully refloated from a rocky predicament by the tugs Beta and Beta Mob, operated by Buksér og Berging AS. Following the failed attempt to refloat the vessel using its own power, the tugs managed to pull the Åfjord free within just an hour. The ferry has now been safely docked in Øksfjord for a comprehensive damage inspection. In the meantime, the ferry Hårek stepped in as the replacement vessel, departing Øksfjord at 9:15 a.m. for its inaugural trip on the route connecting Hasvik and Øksfjord. Additionally, the Hårek is scheduled to operate the Tverrfjord to Øksfjord route at 2:20 p.m. As the week progresses, the spare ferry Tysnes is set to take over the service, having been dispatched on December 1. For more detailed information and visuals, readers can visit the following links: Norwegian news report: http://www.altaposten.no/lokalt/nyheter/article10403798.ece and Kystverket updates: http://www.kystverket.no/Nyheter/2014/November/Slepefartoy-bisto-etter-fergeulykke/

On the evening of November 30, 2014, at approximately 8 p.m., the ferry Åfjord found itself aground between Øksfjord and Hasvik at a location known as Finneset. The vessel had 15 individuals on board, comprising four crew members and 11 passengers. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers. The ferry was seen precariously resting on the rocks, exhibiting a significant lean towards its starboard side. Concerns arose as hydraulic oil was observed leaking from one of the thrusters. The situation escalated when the first officer began to feel unwell, prompting the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to take action. A Sea King helicopter was dispatched from Banak, alongside two lifeboats and a tugboat. The lifeboat Oscar Tybring IV was anticipated to arrive on the scene by 9 p.m. Just four minutes later, at 9:04 p.m., the police confirmed that all 11 passengers had been safely evacuated to shore. They were subsequently transported to Alta by bus. For further details, Norwegian media outlets have reported on the incident with accompanying photographs: [Finnmark Dagblad](http://www.finnmarkdagblad.no/nyheter/article7715720.ece), [Aftenposten](http://www.an.no/nyheter/article7715824.ece), [NRK Nordnytt](http://www.nrk.no/nordnytt/vil-forsoke-a-dra-afjord-av-grunn-1.12074193).