Norweigan frigate KNM Helge Ingstad Struck by Tanker, In danger of sinking

KNM Helge is a Nansen Class Frigate. Pictured is KNM Thor Heyerdahl on a2012 port visit to Halifax

The Norwegian frigate KNM Helge Ingstad was stuck early this morning by the tanker SOLA TS while anchored west of Bergen. The tanker had just loaded North Sea Crude oil, and was departing the fjord when the incident happened.

the frigate appears to have been stuck in the stern area, and flooding continues, with the latest images showing the frigate nearly on its side, a significantly worse state then shortly after the collision, when the frigate was simply low in the stern. the ship also appears to have deliberately run aground at the bow, in an attempt to keep the ship from sinking,

the Frigate was participating in the Nato Exercise Trident Juncture, which also featured Canadian frigates HMCS Halifax and HMCS Toronto. the 137 crew members were able to evacuate the ship, with 7 minor injuries reported. Marine traffic reports the frigate was not broadcasting AIS at the time.

 

UPDATE 11/09:

New imagery from the Norwegians this morning. looks like the ship has settled on her side. She was not broadcasting AIS at the time of the collision, and appears to have been holed by the tankers protruding anchor hawsepipe, which looks to have left a large gash from the hanger aft.

Still taken from this video

 

from yesterday:

Update 11/10:

she looks to be down more on her side.

Update 11/13:
Shes Sunk. Overnight the 7 lines holding the ship to shore broke, and she slipped beneath the waves. The Norwegian government announced on the 12th that the ship was secure.

Word is she was actually sailing when the incident occured, and not anchored, and was aware of the presence of the outgoing tanker. An audio log obtained by Norwegian media has revealed that the frigate failed to change course despite repeated warnings that she was on collision course with the tanker. Significant questions about Seamanship and damage control need to be asked after this incident.

 

Update 11/14

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *