Improvements to Fugloy ferry following accident

A plan is in place to make it easier to pull people out of the water onto Fugloy/Svínoy ferry ‘Ritan’.

The Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board has written a report on the accident in the village of Kirkja when a man drowned after falling into the water while trying to board the ferry.

The man was dead by the time the crew managed to pull him out of the water.

In response to the report, national transport company Strandfaraskip Landsins has informed the investigation board of its plans to install an automatic winch on the deck of ‘Ritan’, which will make it easier to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The winch will be fitted next month, according to Strandfaraskip Landsins, which also recommends other improvements to the landing quays in Fugloy and Svínoy.

The Faroese Maritime Authority recommends an assessment of the ferry services to Fugloy and Svínoy and that clearer regulations are made regarding landing times on these islands.

According to the Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board, the fatal accident in March was due to the victim, who was familiar with the local current conditions, picking the wrong moment to board the ferry.

Translated by prosa.fo