The Esvagt Njord service operations vessel has rescued seven injured fishermen who were in distress near the Dudgeon offshore wind farm off the English east coast.
The rescue took place on 22 December after the vessel’s skipper Brian Kristiansen heard a fishing vessel nearby calling for help, and when he responded, he learned that the ship was taking in water.
Esvagt Njord (pictured) had been assisting Equinor in the operation of the wind park off Great Yarmouth and its crew in cooperation with Equinor’s medic and technicians performed the rescue.
Kristiansen said: “The fishing vessel had yet to send out a Mayday. We had a feeling, however, that there was a need for help close by.
“So we deployed our fast rescue boat to be standby and ready to assist if the situation worsened.”
“When the FRB arrived, it was clear for all that a serious accident had taken place.
“The fishing crew themselves spoke of several explosions on board, and all seven fishermen needed first aid – several were seriously injured.”
Esvagt Njord then deployed the larger STB7 vessel and started evacuating the fishing vessel.
Meanwhile, the SOV’s remaining crew prepared to receive the injured.
Kristiansen added: “When the FRB contacted us and told us that the situation was serious, Equinor’s medic happened to be on the bridge.
“He overheard one of the injured screaming in pain, and the medic immediately offered to assist us in providing first aid to the wounded.”
Equinor, Certex and Siemens Gamesa, who also had people on board Esvagt Njord offered to further assist with the first aid work that was going on and the crew from a Green Marines crew transfer vessel also stepped in.
“All seven fishermen were seriously injured. Unfortunately, there were several fractures, tears and wounds – there was not a single one of them that did not require help,” said Kristiansen.
“It was really good to be able to upgrade our medics team with competent support. Everyone was needed.
“Three fishermen were so badly injured that they were evacuated by helicopter,” he added.