Event Overview
A 10.5-meter aluminum fishing boat, owned by Nordic Sea Angling, capsized in Nappstraumen, Lofoten, on Friday during a fishing trip with a Swedish family of six and a guide. Seven people were rescued, but a 12-year-old Swedish girl remains missing. The wheelhouse appears to have detached during the incident and has not yet been recovered, complicating the search for the missing person.
“We have a theory that the missing person is in the wheelhouse and has been carried down to the bottom,” said Ørjan Delbekk, duty officer at the Hovedredningssentralen (HRS), in a Dagbladet interview on Saturday afternoon. He added that strong currents in the area make it difficult to confine the search. Officials say hopes of finding the girl alive remain, but the chances diminish as time passes.
Salvage Efforts and Vessel Details
The vessel was towed to Lilleeidet marina on Friday evening and raised on Saturday morning. Because the wheelhouse had been displaced, the lifting operation was relatively swift. Authorities noted there were no visible damages to the engines or the hull, and the boat is expected to be hoisted ashore for a full inspection.
Among the seven aboard, six were rescued; the 12-year-old remains unaccounted for. The operation also claimed the life of a Redningsselskapet rescue worker, a 36-year-old team member described as a dedicated rescuer involved in the effort.
Search and Rescue Operations
Search efforts continued through the night and into Saturday morning, with aerial support including helicopters and drones deployed to scan the water and surrounding areas. Coast guard vessels, alongside local boats and volunteers, actively participated in the search from sea and nearby shores. The HRS emphasized that the strong currents in Nappstraumen pose a persistent challenge for narrowing the search area.
“The search is ongoing and conducted from the air and at sea,” said Linda Hansen, the rescue leader at HRS, in an interview with Dagbladet. She also expressed gratitude for the substantial help from volunteers and local vessels, a common and vital part of such operations.
What Happens Next
Authorities expect to maintain search activities as weather and sea conditions permit, while continuing the careful examination of the salvaged vessel. Families affected by the incident await further updates as responders reassess search strategies to adapt to current conditions and depths. The focus remains on locating the missing girl and ensuring the safety of those involved in the operation.
