HELSINKI (AP) – An unmanned Dutch cargo ship could be in danger of capsizing in a heavy sea off the coast of Norway after its crew was evacuated after a distress call from the ship.
The Norwegian Coastal Administration said Tuesday that they have sent a Coast Guard boat to inspect the situation with the Hendrika Eemslift, which is afloat and without engine power in the Norwegian Sea, 130 kilometers (80 miles) away. the city of Alesund.
Video of the scene showed how the Norwegian Rescue Coordination Center evacuated some of the ship’s crew members by helicopter after being launched into the sea. The ship sent a distress call Monday afternoon.
Maritime authorities said their goal now was to figure out how to stabilize the ship so that it would not sink while trying to make sure the ship did not crash into the shore. Surveillance planes patrolled the area.
“We are optimistic, but at the same time there are waves 15 meters (49 feet) high and strong wind. Weather conditions are extreme and staff safety will always come first, “Norwegian Coastal Administration emergency director Hannes-Petter Mortensholm told VG.
Norwegian public broadcaster NRK said the ship lost electricity with its main engine on Monday night. If the ship sinks, Norwegian authorities are worried that diesel and diesel could spill from their tanks.
Registered in the Netherlands, the Hendrika Eemslift was built in 2015. Its load was not immediately known.