Norwegian ferry in distress after engine failure

A vessel belonging to the Hurtigruten shipping company was in distress off the west coast of Norway on Tuesday evening before it regained control.

The engines of the Kong Harald passenger ship failed, according to a tweet by the southern Norway rescue centre, which said four helicopters were heading to the vessel to provide support. An ambulance boat involved in the rescue efforts also ran aground.

Shortly after, the rescue centre reported that the vessel had dropped its anchor and that one engine was running again.

It was not initially clear how many passengers were on board the liner.

The municipality of Hustadvika was preparing to take in passengers should an evacuation be necessary, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

Viking Sky, a passenger ship, ran into difficulties in the same area in 2019, triggering a dramatic operation involving many passengers being rescued by helicopter.