Hurtigruten Says Fire-Damaged Nordlys Is "Responding" To Rescue Efforts

 

(c) 2011 Hurtigruten

In Hurtigruten's latest update about the fire onboard Nordlys yesterday, the coastal voyage line says the ship "is responding" to efforts by an international team of experts to correct its severe listing.

Media reports from the U.K. earlier today reported that the ship's list had reached a critical point with listing that exceeded 21 degrees.

The line said all 207 guests -- from 16 different nationalities including 53 Americans -- are safe and being re-accommodated, with efforts focused on getting them home.  

Hurtigruten is working closely with all relevant embassies to secure the necessary travel documentation. The line's support team in Ålesund is offering guests any assistance as well as providing practical support in the form of medicines, clothes, cash, and Internet and telephone access.

Currently, personal belongings of guests cannot be removed from the ship until authority is given by safety authorities. While all guests were evacuated safely, two crew members were killed. Four crew members remain hospitalized. The ship carried a crew of 55.

The fire was detected on Thursday at 9:17 a.m. as the ship was en route to Ålesund on a northbound sailing from Bergen

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