MS Nordnorge accidents and incidents

21 January 2020Ship Collision / Allision

In the afternoon on January 21, 2020, while maneuvering for berthing at call port Bodo (Norway) the cruiseferry collided with the harbor dock. The accident was due to harsh weather conditions (rough sea and strong winds).

The collision followed a sudden gust of wind with speed 30-35 m/s (~125 kph / 80 mph).

The ship's Captain unsuccessfully tried to avoid the allision by using the propulsion system and dropping an anchor. The stern (aft hull section) hit the pier first, then the rest of the vessel followed. The vessel sustained only minor damages (above waterline) and was cleared to continue the voyage.

The accident occurred during the 11day "Classic Norwegian Coastal Voyage" (itinerary Jan 18-29) roundtrip from homeport Bergen (Norway). On Jan 21st, before Bodo, the Nordnorge ship visited the Norwegian ferry ports Bronnoysund, Sandnessjoen, Nesna, and Ornes. For Jan 21st, after Bodo were planned visits to Stamsund and Svolvaer.

Note: Actually, this type of marine accident is called “allision” (striking a fixed object) as opposed to “collision” (striking another vessel).

29 June 2017Fire Accident

On June 29, 2017, at ~10 am, while docked at homeport Trondheim (Norway), the ship suffered an engine room fire accident. The fire was quickly extinguished by the crew and a dispatched team of city's fire department. Three male crew were reported with minor smoke inhalation and treated medically on site. The vessel sustained only minor damages and was able to depart from homeport in the afternoon, carrying 367 passengers plus 69 crew.

03 November 2014Ship Grounding

(CruiseMapper emailed report from Oliver Edvard Natas)

On the 3rd of November 2014, Nordnorge ran aground shortly after leaving its berth in Skjervoy, Norway. The ship left the port at 19:45 with 254 people onboard.

After divers inspected the hull, a hole was found on the starboard side of the forepeak, resulting in water leaking into the forward ballast tank.

Later on, the vessel proceeded to Fosen Mek. Verksted for repairs.

18 September 2011Fire Accident

(CruiseMapper emailed report from Oliver Edvard Natas)

On the 18th of September 2011, Nordnorge collided with a cargo ramp, standing too close to the pier, in Batsfjord, Norway.

Inspectors came onboard and found a 5x13 cm hole in the ship's side.

Nordnorge was allowed to continue its sailing to Kirkenes, as it was above the waterline, and make further repairs there.

23 November 2007Boat Rescue

On November 23, 2007, the ship responded to a distress call and aided MS Explorer (built in 1969 as "Lindblad Explorer") which struck an iceberg in Antarctica. Explorer's 54 crew and 100 passengers were rescued, but later the ship sank.

MS Explorer left homeport Ushuaia (Argentina) on November 11, on a 19-day Antarctic itinerary through the Drake Passage. After visiting the Falklands and South Georgia islands, while navigating in Bransfield Strait and near King George Island (South Shetland Islands), on November 23 the ship collided with an iceberg. The collision resulted in a significant starboard hull damage (3,6 m / 12 ft long gash below the waterline) and water ingress. The hull also had punctured and sliced holes along its shell plating.

The ship issued a mayday call at 4:24 am. The conducted rescue operation was by vessels of the Argentine Coast Guard and the Chilean Navy. From Chile was also dispatched MS Almirante Oscar Viel (1969-built icebreaker). In the operation also participated in the nearby located cruise ships National Geographic Endeavour (Lindblad Expeditions), Ushuaia and MS Nordnorge (Hurtigruten). By 7:30 am, all passengers and crew were evacuated on Explorer's lifeboats. The evacuees drifted in open sea until about 10 am when were picked up by Nordnorge. They were taken to King George Island (disembarked at Chile's Frei Montalva Station) from where were flown to Punta Arenas (Chile). The fly operation was conducted by the Chilean Air Force via two flights with Lockheed C-130 Hercules (4-engine military transport aircraft) - one on November 24, and one on November 25. Of all passengers, 70 were taken to Artigas Base (Uruguayan research station on King George Island). MS Explorer sank at 7 pm, approx 20 hours after the collision.

30 January 2007Boat Rescue

On January 30, 2007, Nordnorge helped the fleetmate MS Nordkapp which run aground in Antarctica. Nordkapp's all 294 passengers were evacuated and taken to Ushuaia (Argentina).