Three Ships Collide Near Ålesund as Maritime Safety Investigation Begins
A ship collision involving a tanker and two cargo vessels near Ålesund, Norway, has prompted a major maritime safety investigation after three large ships collided in Valderhaugfjorden on Sunday night. No one was injured, and the crews remained aboard their vessels throughout the incident.
The vessels involved were Hav Frakt, Bergfjord and Xanthia, with the largest measuring 147 metres. Police are examining AIS tracking data, technical information and crew accounts to reconstruct the vessels’ movements before the collision. The cause of the maritime accident remains unknown, and no one has been charged.
Police Reconstruct Vessel Movements
Norwegian police have conducted interviews and technical examinations as they work to establish how the three ships came into contact.
Investigation leader Hans Skovly said investigators had already carried out a number of investigative measures but would not disclose details from crew interviews while additional people remained to be questioned.
Police are also reviewing AIS records and technical data from the Norwegian Coastal Administration. The information is expected to help investigators establish the vessels’ positions and movements before the ship accident.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how the crews assessed the weather and wind conditions at the time.
Three Ships Involved
Hav Frakt
The Faroese-owned Hav Frakt, operated by Navigare, had seven people aboard. It was sailing north from Karmøy toward Vesterålen when the collision occurred.
Director Alvur Højgaard said the incident was not experienced as dramatic by the crew. He also said experienced navigators were aboard and had sailed in the area for several years.
Xanthia
The Norwegian vessel Xanthia, operated by Utkilen, had 16 crew members aboard. It was travelling from Elnesvågen to Førby and is now anchored in the fjord.
Utkilen CEO Siri-Anne Mjåtvedt said the crew had implemented the necessary maritime safety measures. The vessel is being monitored while the company cooperates with police and other authorities.
Bergfjord
Bergfjord is sailing under the Dutch flag and is owned by Norwegian company Fonnes Shipping. Seven people were aboard.
The vessel is docked in Ålesund and suffered major damage to its bow. Fonnes Shipping CEO Hans Petter Fonnes is in Ålesund but has declined to comment further.
Rescue Services Responded After Mayday Call
The Main Rescue Coordination Centre (HRS) received a mayday call through coastal radio at 01:37 on Sunday night.
A rescue helicopter, the frigate Fridtjof Nansen, the Norwegian Rescue Service and emergency services on land were deployed following the collision.
No evacuation was required because the crews remained aboard their vessels. The HRS has not identified the cause of the collision.
The rescue operation has now been concluded, while the police investigation continues at the scene.
What the Collision Investigation Will Examine
The circumstances surrounding the collision underline the importance of navigation safety, vessel traffic monitoring and maritime situational awareness, particularly when multiple commercial vessels are operating in the same waters.
Rescue leader Kjetil Hagen said all three vessels were moving when the collision occurred. Two were travelling from the south while one was approaching from the north. Authorities also reported poor visibility and darkness in the area.
These conditions, however, do not establish why the collision occurred. Investigators must determine the vessels’ respective movements and navigation decisions before drawing conclusions about the marine accident.
AIS records and technical data could therefore provide an important chronological picture of the incident, while crew interviews and vessel inspections may help investigators establish what happened immediately before the impact.
Vessel Inspections Ordered
The Norwegian Maritime Authority has begun its own safety-related follow-up.
Acting Director of Communications Eivind Kallevik said inspectors would board the two vessels docked in Ålesund. The ships cannot continue their voyages until the inspections have been completed.
“The main goal is to ensure that these are vessels that can sail safely,” Kallevik said.
The vessel anchored in the fjord will be followed up by Det Norske Veritas.
Kallevik said the Norwegian Maritime Authority is not currently investigating the sequence of events leading to the collision. That aspect may be addressed by police and, potentially, the Accident Investigation Board Norway at a later stage.
No Environmental Damage Reported
Police said they had received no information indicating environmental damage from the collision.
They also said they had not been informed of any loose material or cargo aboard the vessels.
All three ships sustained material damage, while Bergfjord suffered the most visibly significant damage to its bow.
Accident Investigation Board Norway Notified
The Accident Investigation Board Norway has been notified of the case and is collecting information, according to Department Director Dag Liseth.
For now, the focus remains on establishing the facts. Police are continuing interviews and technical investigations, while maritime authorities are assessing whether the affected vessels are safe to sail.
The cause of the ship collision near Ålesund has not been determined. Further examination of AIS data, technical evidence and witness accounts will be central to establishing the sequence of events and determining whether additional maritime safety measures are required.
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