The Norwegian frigate KNM Helge Ingstad has been involved in a collision with the tanker Sola TS, in Hjeltefjord, north of Sotra, Norway.
The collision occurred at 4.26 on Thursday morning (8 November). The frigate is taking on water and all 137 people have been evacuated. Eight people were reported injured. The cause of the collision is yet unknown.
Watch a video by the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue of the evacuation below.
Risk of Sinking
The ship is partially grounded but may still sink. Eirik Walle, of Norway's rescue centre, told the media the ship is taking on more water than they can pump out of it. So there is no control of the leak and the stern is already in the water.'
No Injuries Aboard Tanker
There were no injuries aboard the tanker. Norwegian authorities have stated tug boat Tenax has also been involved in the collision, but its role in the incident is not yet clear.
Sture Terminal Closed
In connection with the collision, the Sture terminal in Øygarden Equinor will gradually shut down operations at Sture. Personnel at Sture without emergency tasks will also be evacuated. The shutdown and evacuation are said to be performed as a precautionary measure.
Helge Ingstad
The Helge Ingstad is a Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate, of which five are in service. The class forms the main surface combatant units of the Royal Norwegian Navy. The vessel is 134 m long, with a beam of 16.8 m and its draft is 4.6 m. The Helge Ingstad has been in service since 2009. It recently took part in the NATO exercise Trident Juncture.
Picture: The KNM Helge Ingstad (by Tim Webb).
