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All helmsmen suspected in negligent navigation after triple collision
The helmsmen of the 'Bergfjord', 'Hav Frakt' and 'Xanthi', that had collided in the narrow waters of the Valderhaugfjord near Ålesund, were all suspected of negligent navigation. The 'Bergfjord' sustained heavy bow damage and remained docked at the quay near Ålesund since the collision. The 'Hav Frakt' departed the port on Oct 7 enroute to Bergeneset, whiere it arrived on Oct 13. The Norwegian police was investigating the circumstances and suspected the officers on the bridge of negligent navigation. They were examining the electronic data from the ships and interrogated the crew members. There were no indications of alcohol use, but those involved have been tested. It is not yet clear exactly how the three ships became involved in the collision. Inspectors from classification society DNV judged that only the 'Xanthia' was safe enough to continue the voyage. The Norwegian Safety Board was reviewing the available information and would then decide whether a full investigation into the collision was necessary.
Two of three vessels involved in triple collision detained
The Norwegian Safety Authority detained two of the vessels involved in the triple collision on Oct 4 in the Valderhaug Fjord near Ålesund, namely the 'Bergfjord' and 'Hav Frakt'. Both ships required repairs before they could be permitted to sail. The third vessel, the 'Xanthia', despite having sustained damage too, was permitted to resume its trip to Finland, where it would undergo further inspections, after inspectors from the DNV told the authorities the hull was sound. The 'Bergfjord' had sustained significant bow damage and was taking on water at the bow, so it was ordered to dock, as well as the 'Hav Frakt'. Investigators found no indication of intoxication, but administered a breathalyser and other tests. The electronic data was being reviewed and interviews were underway with the crews. The Accident Investigation Board was reviewing the information and would determine if a full investigation was warranted.
Triple collision in Valderhaug Fjord
On Oct 4, 2026, at 1.37 a.m. the 'Xanthia', (IMO: 9246152), enroute from Elnesvågen to Førby with a cargo of liquid stone, intended primarily for use in paper production, was in collision with the 'Havfrakt' (IMO: 9280706), underway from Husoy to Myre, and the 'Bergfjord', underway from Fredrikstad to Mo i Rana, in the Valderhaug Fjord near Ålesund, in a relatively narrow strait on the east side of Valderøya, towards Hamnøya. The 'Bergfjord' had made some course changes, eventually crossing the 'Xanthia'’s path from the latter’s port side. Xanthia left rather little room, though likely enough for the 'Bergfjord' to have navigated the strait on the correct side. The 'Havfrakt' was positioned astern of the 'Bergfjord', but chose to turn to port, and was subsequently unable to give way when the 'Xanthia' and the 'Bergfjord' ended up lying athwart the strait. One of the ships took on water after the collision. The two cargo ships were moored in Ålesund, while the tanker anchored in the Valderhaugs Fjord in pos. 62° 29' N 006° 07' E, before entering the port of Ålesund too. The 'Bergfjord' had suffered severe damage to the bow and the starboard side foreship. The accident happened amid poor visibility, when two vessels were approaching from the south and one from the north.There was a combined total of 30 crew members on board. One ship had a crew of 16, while the other two had crews of seven. Dewatering pumps were brought onto the ship, which was taking on water. A rescue helicopter and the frigate KNM 'Fridtjof Nansen' were initially deployed by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), but later stood down. The police did not yet know the cause of the collision, but contacted the crews. Breathalyser tests have been administered to some individuals on board, but no signs of intoxication were detected. Police were continuing their investigation at the scene. Inspectors of the Norwegian Maritime Directorate boarded the ships in Ålesund later on Oct 4. Reports with photos and video: https://www.nrk.no/norge/tre-store-skip-har-kollidert-ved-alesund-1.18044704?fbclid=Iwb21leAUvAKJjbGNrBS8AkWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEemeZvDNQEnxRhAcN0gCKoqb2iwd6cjjGwQYKcw_58i1LWD7NVBfY5LZkOlEM_aem_aF666pt-QpTzDQeOVw2bBw https://www.nrk.no/mr/tre-store-skip-har-kollidert-ved-alesund-1.18044704 https://www.ba.no/tankbat-og-to-lasteskip-stotte-sammen-ved-alesund/s/80-8-57577 https://www.nrk.no/mr/her-kolliderer-tre-skip-med-kvarandre-i-valderhaugfjorden-utanfor-alesund-1.18045337
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