Two crew members of the Norwegian vessel Ålfjord were rescued after an engine failure left the vessel drifting towards the coast near Ryvarden Lighthouse in Sveio.
The incident occurred during the evening of 19 September. The approximately 19-metre-long vessel lost propulsion and began drifting towards shore in difficult weather conditions. Unable to restore the engine, the crew transmitted a Mayday distress call.
Both crew members put on survival suits before abandoning the disabled vessel and entering the water. Other vessels arriving at the scene threw them a lifebuoy, while a nearby boat positioned itself to provide some protection from the wind and waves.
The rescue operation involved a search-and-rescue helicopter, emergency services, private boats and the RS 163 Kristian Gerhard Jebsen II lifeboat operated by the Norwegian Sea Rescue Society, Redningsselskapet.
A helicopter recovered the two crew members approximately 20–30 minutes after the operation began. Despite spending an extended period in the water, both were in good condition and did not require medical treatment.
The abandoned Ålfjord continued drifting and eventually grounded on rocks near the lighthouse. Weather conditions initially prevented an immediate recovery operation.
On the morning of 22 September, Ålfjord was successfully pulled free during high tide. Storsund Marine Service carried out the salvage operation. No damage to the fuel tanks, internal water ingress or pollution was detected.
The vessel was subsequently towed to Bømlo Skipsservice in Langevåg, where it was taken ashore for a detailed inspection and damage assessment.
