The dramatic rescue operation off the west coast of Norway is interrupted: helicopters should no longer fly people ashore from the "Viking Sky". The communicated the south Norwegian rescue service on Sunday. The captain will decide, according to news agency NTB during the maneuver, whether the evacuation should be continued by helicopter.
So far, around 460 of the total of more than 1,300 passengers and crew have been brought ashore. Meanwhile, tugs escort the ship to the harbor of the nearby town of Molde.
The "Viking Sky" had fallen into distress on Saturday afternoon due to problems with the drive during a storm, and that in a dangerous section of the central west coast of Norway.
Swell makes rescue difficult
Most passengers are according to authorities British and Americans. Two German women, 74 and 66 years old, were traveling by ship, according to the shipping company.
The evacuation takes so long because the helicopters can only bring about 15 people per flight to safety. At the scene of the accident there was a high seas, which made the rescue difficult.
Passengers tweeted pictures and videos on board. It shows how much the "Viking Sky" fluctuated. Through the windows huge waves can be seen. Armchairs, tables and plants slid inside and out on the floor, a woman's ceiling was turned upside down. Many people on board wore lifejackets. A passenger wrote that the crew is doing a fantastic job and making sure everyone is calm and cared for. The sea continues to be upset.
Three out of four engines are running again
According to the Norwegian radio station NRK, the "Viking Sky" was only 100 meters away from running aground. Three drives of the ship ran in the night to Sunday but again. It now drives slowly towards the nearby town of Molde and is accompanied by two tugs. The Southern Norwegian emergency medical service tweeted that the evacuation was very cautious.
Also crew members of a freighter in safety
The nine crew members of the same coastal area in distress freighter "Hagland Captain" were meanwhile brought to safety, according to news agency NTB. The freighter was on its way to the "Viking Sky" when it also failed the engine. Thereupon it had received list page.
The evacuees were sent to an emergency room in the city of Brynhallen, some 500 kilometers north of the capital, Oslo. The injured were then taken to three hospitals.