HELSINKI (AP) – An unmanned Dutch cargo ship could capsize in heavy seas off the coast of Norway after its crew was evacuated following an emergency call from the vessel.
The Norwegian Coastal Administration said on Tuesday that they had sent a coast guard ship to investigate the situation with the Eemslift Hendrika, which stays and drifts without motor power on the Norwegian Sea 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the city of Alesund.
Video of the scene showed how the Norwegian Rescue Coordination Center evacuated some of the ship’s 12 crew members by helicopter after they jumped into the sea. The ship issued an emergency call late Monday.
Maritime authorities said their focus now was to figure out how to stabilize the vessel so it would not sink, while trying to make sure the ship did not fall ashore. Observation planes patrolled the area.
‘We are optimistic, but at the same time there are 15 meter high waves and strong winds. The weather conditions are extraordinary and the safety of staff will always come first, “the director of emergencies, Hannes-Petter Mortensholm, told the Norwegian newspaper at the Norwegian Coastal Administration.
The Norwegian public broadcaster NRK said the ship lost power in its main car late Monday night. If the vessel sinks, the Norwegian authorities are worried that diesel and fuel oil could spill out of the tanks.
The Eemslift Hendrika, which is registered in the Netherlands, was built in 2015. Its load was not immediately known.