Passenger boat loses engine in Ísafjarðardjúp — 47 rescued
Two Coast Guard helicopters were called out. mbl.is/Árni Sæberg
A passenger boat carrying 47 people lost engine power and drifted onto a sandy beach near Ögur in Ísafjarðardjúp around noon today. A mass casualty response plan was activated following the incident, though there have been no reports of injuries or leaks.
According to Hlynur Snorrason, Chief Inspector of the Ísafjörður Police, three rescue boats arrived at the scene to assist the vessel, which has been identified as Gunna Valgeirs. The boat had been conducting a whale-watching tour with passengers from a cruise ship docked in Ísafjörður.
Large-Scale Rescue Response
The Icelandic Coast Guard reported that two helicopters, the crew of the TF-SIF patrol aircraft, sea rescue teams from across the Westfjords, and the crew of the Coast Guard patrol vessel Þór were dispatched. The assistance of Þór was later deemed unnecessary and withdrawn.
Despite the fog, sea conditions at the scene were described as calm. "There is no danger to the passengers. It’s calm here and conditions are good," said Chief Inspector Hlynur in an interview with mbl.is.
Evacuation and Tow Operation
The 44 passengers and 3 crew members aboard Gunna Valgeirs were safely transferred to lifeboats and transported to the nearby town of Súðavík. No injuries were reported.
The boat itself is now being towed to Ísafjörður. The rescue vessels Svanur, Gísli Jóns, and Kobbi Láka all participated in the successful operation, providing crucial assistance at the scene.
Kobbi Láka on the move. The picture is from photo archives. Photo/Landsbjörg
