Tragic capsizing in Lofoten: timeline, victims and response
A maritime tragedy unfolded Friday afternoon in Nappstraumen, the strait near Lofoten, when a boat carrying seven people capsized. On board were six Swedish tourists (two of them children) and a Swedish fishing guide. Five survivors managed to reach the hull, but one girl remained missing as night fell, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation across the rugged Norwegian coastline.
The incident and the people involved
Initial reports indicated that the group was on a day trip when a wave or a shift in motion caused the vessel to capsize. The captain and guide were among those who responded to assist others, but the sudden event left the boat inverted in the water. One of the passengers, an eleven-year-old girl, was declared missing in the hours after the accident and, over the weekend, police confirmed that she had been found dead. The victim’s death marks a second blow to the crew and rescuers who worked through the night to locate all missing persons.
Rescue operations and the search
The search began quickly with local responders, including divers and a helicopter already in the area. The Royal Norwegian Coast Guard vessel KV Jarl joined the effort, assisting with the difficult task of locating people in the water and lifting the wreckage. It was KV Jarl that eventually recovered the girl’s body near the wheelhouse at a depth of about 25 metres, around 11:45 on Sunday. The authorities coordinated a multi-agency response, moving from open-water searches to underwater inspections as the situation evolved.
As the rescue operation intensified, more resources were allocated to the scene. The Redningsselskapet (Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue) and local search teams worked alongside coast guard divers to retrieve survivors, recover the vessel’s wheelhouse, and account for all on board. The operation also involved lifting the vessel for examination at the police station in Svolvær as investigators sought to determine what caused the capsize.
The human cost and memorials
Tragically, a rescue worker, Adrian Willyson Brask, lost his life during the response. He was a long-time volunteer with the Red Cross and a dedicated rescue professional with the Redningsselskapet. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues and the broader maritime community. In his memory, a fundraiser has been launched to support his immediate family, noting that contributions will aid his wife and young daughter as they navigate an unimaginably difficult period.
Brask and his colleagues were described as having a deep commitment to helping others, with colleagues noting his ability to bring people together and create a sense of safety around him. His dedication reflects the ethos of rescue services that operate in demanding Norwegian waters, often under trying conditions.
Investigation and ongoing questions
Authorities have stated that the investigation will continue to determine the exact cause of the capsize. Police have indicated that the inquiry is ongoing and that the status of the case will be updated over the weekend as new information becomes available. The owner of the vessel, a 33-foot Arronet, and other involved parties are cooperating with investigators as they review the sequence of events and assess whether weather, equipment, or human factors contributed to the tragedy.
According to the operator, the accident occurred in relatively calm sea conditions within inner waters. A guide who was aboard reportedly provided an account of the events, describing how a wave struck from behind, sending the boat toward the starboard side and into another wave that capsized it. The descriptions emphasize how swiftly the situation evolved and the rapid descent into peril for those on board.
Continuing coverage and community impact
Officials have thanked everyone who assisted in the search and stressed that the investigation will continue to seek answers about the causes of the capsize. The focus now turns to supporting the affected families, accounting for everyone involved, and understanding what can be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Local communities in Lofoten and across Norway have expressed condolences and offered support to those affected by the accident.
