Viking Sky March 2019: Final report on loss of propulsion and near grounding of Viking Sky

[JDincalif]

The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority has released a report:

 

Report on loss of propulsion and near grounding of Viking Sky, Hustadvika, Norway 23 March 2019

 

In the afternoon of 23 March 2019, the cruise vessel Viking Sky experienced a blackout, causing loss of propulsion and steering, during a storm in the Hustadvika area of the Norwegian coast. The vessel is estimated to have come within a ship’s length of running aground with 1,374 persons on board, and the accident had the potential to develop into one of the worst disasters at sea in modern times. The accident was caused by insufficient lubricating oil in all of the operating diesel generators’ lubricating oil sump tanks, in combination with pitching and rolling in rough seas. The investigation has identified operational, technical, and organisational safety issues that in different ways contributed to the blackout.

 

https://www.nsia.no/Marine/Published-reports/2024-05

Edited March 19 by JDincalif
Added link to report

[JDincalif]

Among the findings and recommended remediations, the report again emphasized the extreme peril:

 

The complex and extended helicopter operation was carried out effectively with no accidents or casualties, however both the first rescue helicopter and the first tug arrived after the vessel would have grounded if propulsion had not been regained.

 

And provided this insight with which most would undoubtedly agree:

 

This underlines the importance of not losing propulsion and steering and of avoiding situations where an evacuation is required. 

[DGHOC]

Hey J and D, responded on the Viking Sky Survivors thread x