A person was reported missing from a Norwegian boat in the Barents Sea at 19.05 on Monday evening, after falling overboard.
The Northern Norway Rescue Center (HRS) launched a search for the missing person, including with nearby fishing vessels and coast guard ships. In addition, the Governor’s helicopter was called out.
The boat is approximately 110 nautical miles east of the island of Hopen, and it will take time before the nearest boats can assist in the search.
Rescue leader Øyvind Aadde tells NRK that the boat the person fell from is searching for the person with searchlights.
Not possible to survive
At 21:34, HRS reported that in consultation with medical advisers and the vessel’s skipper, they have decided to change the phase to “search for presumed dead”.
– The probability of survival is not present, HRS reports.
They are now working to get hold of next of kin.
Bad weather in the area
The helicopter from the Governor of Svalbard has canceled the trip to the search area after the status of the search was changed.
Rescue manager Tore Hongset tells NRK just before 10:00 p.m.
At 22:24 HRS reports that the rescue operation in the Barents Sea has ended.
– We ask for your understanding that vessel names and shipping companies will not be made public in this phase, says Hongset.
It is dark, windy and poor visibility in the area.
