Working Conditions Aboard the Vengsoy

On the evening of March 15, 2021, at approximately 7 p.m., a worker sustained injuries aboard the vessel 'Vengsøy' while it was docked in Nordreisa. Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene to assist the injured individual, who remained conscious despite experiencing discomfort. Local police initiated an investigation into the incident, and authorities including the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority and the Norwegian Maritime Directorate have been informed of the occurrence. The situation highlights ongoing safety concerns in maritime operations and the importance of swift emergency responses.

On February 6, 2017, the Vengsøy ferry encountered operational difficulties when it suffered significant propeller damage during its route from Musvær to Vengsøy. The incident occurred as the ferry experienced a loss of steering capabilities, prompting the crew to drop the anchor for safety. However, when the anchor was raised, the chain inadvertently came into contact with the propeller, resulting in damage to the propeller blades. Fortunately, at the time of the mishap, there were no passengers or vehicles aboard the ferry. After assessing the situation, the Vengsøy managed to navigate to Belvik for necessary inspections, where it was determined that the vessel would need to go out of service temporarily. To ensure continued service, the slightly larger Røtinn ferry was deployed as a substitute. Following the incident, the Vengsøy was relocated to Ibestad for repairs, specifically to replace the damaged blades. Restoration efforts were underway, with plans for the Vengsøy to resume operations before the weekend.

The ferry "Vengsøy" continues to remain stationary at the Tromsø port, as the local ferry service welcomes back an old vessel from the 1970s. Recently, while the "Vengsøy" was undergoing docking in Møre, inspectors uncovered significant damage to the hull—resulting from a prior allision with a quay in Belvik. This critical issue below the waterline was only brought to light during a drydocking inspection. Although the necessary hull repairs are currently underway, the twisted foundation of the quay still awaits restoration.