Hurtigruten cruise ship successfully refloated following grounding in Norway

Norwegian media reports that a ship operated by local cruise company Hurtigruten ran aground on the country’s western coast on Friday, August 5.

The 1993-built Richard With had just completed undergoing an extensive overhaul and was underway without passengers when its hull made bottom contact at the entrance to the Sognefjord in Vestland county at around 09:00 local time on Monday.

The ship was en route to Bergen in preparation for returning to service following the overhaul. Resumption of sailings was originally scheduled for Monday, August 8.

Hurtigruten said in a statement that Richard With suffered a “technical system error,” causing the ship to temporarily lose control and run aground.

Norwegian Coast Guard boats and helicopters and two tugs deployed to the area to render assistance.

Reports indicate the ship was successfully able to refloat on its own with the onset of high tide.

Hurtigruten added that Richard With sustained damage but that no pollution was detected and no injuries were reported among the 53 crewmembers and 14 service personnel who were on board.

The ship will undergo repairs prior to the resumption of its operational sailings, which has now been moved to August 20.