Eyewitnesses recounted how the ferry approached the workboat, seemingly unaware of the impending danger.
Two men have been formally charged following a collision between the fast ferry Tyrhaug and the workboat Frøy Loke off the coast of Nordmøre in June 2023, which left multiple people in hospital.
The charges, announced by Norwegian prosecutors, accuse the individuals of negligence that could have led to a fatal accident, based on Section 356 of the Penal Code, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
The collision occurred on June 28, 2023, as the Tyrhaug ferry was en route to Trondheim. Near Ringholmen in Aure municipality, the ferry collided with the Frøy Loke, a service vessel. The impact caused significant damage to both vessels, leaving several passengers and crew members injured, including one individual who suffered serious injuries.
The incident left 31 passengers and five crew members aboard the fast ferry in shock. In the workboat, four crew members were present, one of whom sustained injuries. Eyewitnesses aboard the Tyrhaug recounted how the ferry approached the workboat, seemingly unaware of the impending danger.
“I had just grabbed a cup of coffee when I noticed the blue boat getting closer and closer. I thought, ‘Someone’s got to steer soon,’ and then, suddenly, it just crashed,” said one passenger.
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The NSIA report into the incident revealed that the collision was likely due to a lack of attentiveness on the Tyrhaug‘s bridge. At the time of the crash, only one navigator was present on the bridge, while the second officer was in a separate room handling administrative tasks, in violation of standard procedures. The investigators noted that if both navigators had been at their posts, the likelihood of avoiding the collision would have increased.
The report also criticized the ferry operator, Kystekspressen ANS, for creating an environment where staff felt pressured to complete administrative duties quickly, leading to potentially dangerous deviations from navigational protocol.
Despite clear skies, calm seas, and good visibility, the collision occurred because the Tyrhaug’s crew failed to notice the service boat, assuming it would steer clear. By the time the mistake was realized, it was too late to take evasive action.
The two men charged will face trial in the Møre og Romsdal District Court in January 2025, where four days have been set aside for proceedings. If convicted, they could face serious penalties for their role in what officials have deemed a highly preventable accident.
The operator of the ferry service, Torghatten Midt, has confirmed that both the injured crew members have returned to work, with the severely injured individual resuming duties after three months. The company has declined further comment ahead of the court case.
