Swedish Girl Found Dead After Boat Accident in Lofoten, Norway
A Swedish eleven-year-old girl, who had been missing since a boat capsized during a fishing trip in the Lofoten archipelago, has been found dead, authorities in Norway confirmed. The incident occurred on Friday in the Nappstraumen area, where a small fishing boat carrying seven people—six Swedish tourists and a Swedish guide—overturned. Six people were rescued, and one person remained unaccounted for at the time of the search, according to Norwegian police and local media.
What happened in Nappstraumen?
During routine fishing activities in the challenging waters around Lofoten, the boat overturned for reasons not yet determined. When authorities later raised the vessel, the cabin (hytten) had detached from the hull, complicating efforts to locate all occupants. On Sunday, divers and coast guard teams discovered the girl’s remains at a depth of about 25 meters, alongside the detached cabin, marking a tragic end to the search that had spanned hours through difficult sea conditions.
Rescue efforts and findings
The coast guard ship played a crucial role in the rescue and salvage operation, aiding in the retrieval of the hull and the submerged cabin. The search involved underwater equipment and naval divers, reflecting the complexity of locating diversions of a small vessel beneath the fjord’s surface. An additional person was hospitalized with injuries, while the remaining survivors were reported uninjured. The authorities have notified the girl’s family, who are receiving support as the investigation continues.
Investigation and next steps
The incident is under investigation by Norwegian authorities. While investigators assess possible factors such as sea conditions, weather, and vessel maintenance, officials caution that the exact cause of the capsizing may take time to determine. Salvage operations are expected to continue as needed to secure the vessel and recover any remaining search targets. The tragedy has prompted renewed attention to safety practices for small fishing boats operating in Norway’s coastal waters, particularly around Lofoten’s busy fishing routes.
Community and safety reminders
Nordic rescue services and regional authorities emphasize that even experienced crews face dangers in the area’s cold, deep waters. They urge boat operators to adhere strictly to safety protocols, wear life jackets, and maintain communication with coastal rescue services during fishing trips in remote locations. While cases like this are rare, they serve as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent to maritime activities in the Arctic circle.
A note on ongoing updates
Officials say updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available. Our thoughts remain with the family and all those affected by this loss.
