HELSINKI — Police say a cruise ship with engine problems has sent a mayday call off Norway’s western coast and is making plans to evacuate its 1,300 passengers and crew.
Norwegian newspaper VG said the Viking Sky cruise ship ran into propulsion problems as strong winds and heavy seas hit Norway’s coastal regions on Saturday, March 23.
דיווח ראשוני על ספינת תיירים נורבגית ועליה 1300 איש אשר החלה לשדר אותו מצוקה. מסוקים הוזנקו #VikingSky pic.twitter.com/IhRnQjUkKe
— First reports@avi (@avigil77) March 23, 2019
Police in the western county of Moere og Romsdal said Saturday the ship has managed to moor in Hustadsvika Bay, between the western Norwegian cities of Alesund and Trondheim.
Rescue teams with helicopters and boats have been sent to help and evacuate the vessel, a process expected to take several hours.
We’re waiting for evacuation by helicopter #VikingSky #Mayday pic.twitter.com/rqSYaWGi0k
— Alexus Sheppard ????️???? (@alexus309) March 23, 2019
Authorities kicked off the evacuation on Saturday afternoon.
The evacuation process expected to take several hours.
Norwegian officials said that rescue workers have managed to evacuate about 100 people so far from the cruise ship.
Five people have reportedly been taken to the hospital, but no one was seriously injured, TMZ reported.
Still waiting for evacuation. #VikingSky #Mayday pic.twitter.com/6EvcAjf5D2
— Alexus Sheppard ????️???? (@alexus309) March 23, 2019
The Viking Sky was delivered in 2017 to operator Viking Ocean Cruises.
