‘Esvagt Njord’ rescues seven injured fishermen

The crew of ‘Esvagt Njord’ Service Operations Vessel has performed a rescue operation. They helped seven fishermen in distress near the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm.

‘Esvagt Njord’ rescues seven injured fishermen
Photo: Esvagt

‘Esvagt Njord’ is a wind turbine ship assisting Equinor in the operation of the park off Great Yarmouth on the English east coast. Over the radio, skipper Brian Kristiansen heard a fishing vessel nearby calling for help, and when he responded, he learned that the ship was taking in water.

Brian Kristiansen says:

"The fishing vessel had yet to send out a Mayday. We had a feeling, however, that there was a need for help close by. So we deployed our FRB (Fast Rescue Boat) to be standby and ready to assist if the situation worsened. When the FRB arrived, it was clear for all that a serious accident had taken place. The fishing crew themselves spoke of several explosions on board, and all seven fishermen needed first aid - several were seriously injured."

‘Esvagt Njord’ immediately deployed the larger STB7 as well and started evacuating the fishing vessel. 

Equinor, Certex and Siemens Gamesa, who also have people on board ‘Esvagt Njord’, offered to further assist with the first aid work that was going on, and the crew from Green Marines CTV also stepped in.

Brian Kristiansen says:

"All seven fishermen were seriously injured. Unfortunately, there were several fractures, tears and wounds - there was not a single one of them that did not require help. It was really good to be able to upgrade our medics team with competent support. Everyone was needed! Three fishermen were so badly injured that they were evacuated by helicopter."

Since 1981, ESVAGT has rescued 148 people from a life-threatening situation at sea.