Working Conditions Aboard the Virak

In the early hours of April 24, 2026, the ferry 'Virak', which operates on the Festvåg to Misten route, faced a blackout, leaving passengers stranded in the serene waters of Mistfjorden. The unexpected power failure raised concerns among travelers as they awaited a resolution to resume their journey.

The ferry 'Virak', operating on the Forøy–Ågskardet route, encountered a technical issue on March 9, 2025, forcing it to remain docked in Ågskardet for repairs. To assist passengers affected by this disruption, the ferry 'Ørnes' stepped in to provide an alternative service on March 10. Departing from Jektvik at 11:00 a.m., it is scheduled to reach Forøy by approximately 1:15 p.m., before making the return trip from Forøy at 1:30 p.m. and arriving back in Jektvik at 3:45 p.m. The ferry service's decision to offer additional trips will depend on the progress made with the 'Virak' repairs throughout the day.

Late on September 9, 2017, at 11 p.m., the ferry 'Virak', which was sailing from Misten to Kjerringøy, found itself in trouble due to engine failure while navigating the Mistfjord. As the vessel drifted perilously close to the shore, a rescue operation was launched involving a Sea King search and rescue helicopter along with a lifeboat. In a remarkable effort, the crew aboard the 'Virak' managed to activate an auxiliary engine, allowing them to maintain their position until the lifeboat arrived. The lifeboat successfully towed the ferry to Festvåg, where immediate repair efforts commenced to restore the 'Virak' to operational status.

On March 18, 2016, the ferry 'Virak' experienced significant gear and engine failures, forcing it out of service on the crucial Kjerringøy route between Misten and Festvåg. Just a day prior, on March 17, maintenance work had been conducted on the ferry's gear, but as the crew prepared for departure the next morning from Festvåg, unforeseen issues arose. Damage to both the gear and a portion of the main engines rendered the 'Virak' immobile at the dock, causing a major disruption. Furthermore, this predicament meant the spare ferry, 'Kjerringøy', could not be deployed to alleviate the situation. The operator sought a certified tug to assist in moving the disabled ferry, but securing one proved challenging. A tug from Dønna was called, but it did not arrive until 6 p.m., which prolonged the wait for the stranded vehicles. Throughout the day, approximately 60 to 70 cars queued, eager to resume their travels. Ultimately, at 6 p.m., the 'Virak' was successfully towed to Bodø for repairs. For more details and photos of the incident, view the Norwegian report here: http://www.an.no/nyheter/samferdsel/bodo/her-sleper-de-problem-ferga-som-blokkerte-all-trafikk/s/5-4-279081.