It was the shocking air rescue of a crew hit by 15-meter waves at sea

The Norwegian Coastal Administration reported on Tuesday that it had dispatched a vessel to inspect the conditions of the Eemslift Hendrika, which remains adrift and without engines running in the Norwegian Sea, 130 kilometers from the town of Alesund.

Video from the scene showed how the Norwegian Rescue Coordination Center evacuated some of the 12 crew members by helicopter after jumping overboard. The ship made a distress call on Monday evening, after hitting waves over 15 meters high.

However, maritime authorities have indicated that the priority now is to stabilize the vessel. to keep it from sinking or crashing into the shore. Planes and helicopters flew over the area to monitor the situation.

“We’re optimistic, but at the same time there are 15-meter (49-foot) waves and strong winds. The weather conditions are extreme and the safety of the crew is always the priorityVG Hannes-Petter Mortensholm, director of emergencies for the Norwegian Coastal Administration, told the newspaper.

The boat’s engine stopped working on Monday evening, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Authorities fear that if it sinks, the ship could spill fuel and pollute the waters.

The Dutch Eemslift Hendrika registration was built in 2015.

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