What happened in Nappstraumen, Lofoten
On Friday, a 10.5-meter aluminum fishing boat carrying a Swedish family of six and a guide capsized in Nappstraumen, a narrow strait near Lofoten. Rescue teams pulled six people from the water, but a twelve-year-old Swedish girl remained missing as night fell. The operation continued into Saturday as authorities reassessed the scene and possible causes of the capsize.
Salvage, hull condition and vessel details
The vessel, owned by Nordic Sea Angling, was towed to Lilleeidet marina on Friday evening. Saturday morning brought a salvage and turning operation that proved relatively straightforward because the wheelhouse (styrhuset) had separated and has not been found yet. Local reports indicate the lifting and turning of the hull took only a few minutes. Officials noted there were no obvious damages to engines or the hull beyond the capsizing. The boat was a 10.5-meter aluminum craft, and its occupants were on a guided fishing trip when the incident occurred.
Search and rescue efforts
The search for the missing girl has continued through the night and into Saturday morning, with a multi-pronged approach: airplanes and drones scanning from above, and boats and crew searching the water and nearshore areas. Two coast guard vessels were involved alongside local boats, with volunteers joining the effort as is common in such events. The coordinated response underscores the region’s reliance on both official assets and community support during maritime emergencies.
According to Hovedredningssentralen (HRS) operations chief Ørjan Delbekk, there is a theory that the missing girl could be in the wheelhouse and may have ended up at the bottom. The strong currents in Nappstraumen make it exceptionally challenging to narrow the search area, and officials emphasize that the operation must adapt to shifting conditions.
Casualty in the line of duty
Tragically, a Redningsselskapet rescue worker, 36-year-old Adrian Willyson Brask, was killed during the response. His death highlights the dangers faced by rescuers who operate in rough seas and demanding conditions. The incident also involves a Swedish family and a fishing guide, with investigators continuing to piece together the factors that led to the capsize and the ongoing search for the missing girl.
What happens next
Officials say the search will persist with the same intensity, aided by ongoing aerial patrols, drones, and coordinated seaward and shore-based searching. Local volunteers and boats continue to offer their assistance, reflecting the close-knit coastal communities that mobilize quickly in response to maritime emergencies. As the operation advances, authorities will review conditions in Nappstraumen and adjust the search area as needed, while families await any news and the region honors the memory of the fallen rescuer.
