Report finds that damage control failures led to sinking of RNoN frigate

摘要

A second report into the circumstances leading to the loss of the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) guided-missile frigate HNoMS Helge Ingstad has concluded that the ship could have been saved if the crew had been better trained in damage control procedures and more familiar with the ship's stability characteristics. A total of 28 safety recommendations have been made by the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA), most directed towards the RNoN and the Norwegian Defence Material Agency. These include measures to address deficiencies in training, organisation, materiel, documentation, process, and assurance. The fourth of five F310 Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates delivered to the RNoN by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia between 2006 and 2011, Helge Ingstad suffered extensive damage to its starboard side after colliding with the Maltese-flagged tanker Sola TS in the Hjeltefjord on 8 November 2018. The nineyear old frigate was run aground but heeled over and sank in shallow water. Although subsequently salvaged, Helge Ingstadwas found to be beyond economical repair and is now being scrapped.