Died serving SAR duty

[bogib]

As we came into landing to Keflavik airport 5.15 this morning I noticed flood light area of the coast of town Sandgerði and blue flashing lights on the roads speeding to scene, at this time I was not aware what was going on and as coming from abroad did not had my VHF package with me.

As I woke up at noon the first action was to see what had been going on earlier this morning and it was not good news.

Danish sailor Mr. Jan Nordskov Larsen, 25 year old had died on duty searching for crew member of the freighter Wilson Muuga which stranded near the village Sandgerði. His rib of the Danish coast guard vessel Triton had flipped over and he fell over board, his two mates tried to hold him above sea and getting him back on board without success, his life vest had teared apart so no floatation, after long period of time trying to hold him up they had to give up and he sank.

In total there where 8 crewmembers when the rib flipped over, those seven who survived where taken to hospital in Keflavik and where kept in the hospital for inspection, six of them have been released tonight but one are kept in due to severe cooling.

The 12 man crew of vessel Wilson Muuga where airlifted by the Icelandic Coast Guard helicopters, and where transported to hospital for inspection.

Our thoughts and prays are with Mr. Jan Nordskov Larsen and his relatives.

Bogi

[codprawn]

Poor sod - his mates must feel awful that they couldn't save him. Thoughts must go to his poor family - especially at this time of year!!!

[prairie tuber]

Very sorry to hear of this. Do the crew wear dry suits + inflatable vests (rather than floatation suits)?

[bogib]

I am not sure, but looks to me they where wearing dry suits, will know more tomorrow.

Bogi

[ollyit]

really sad news, horrible way to go, so cold at the moment too

[Stoo]

Originally Posted by prairie tuber

Very sorry to hear of this. Do the crew wear dry suits + inflatable vests (rather than floatation suits)?

I wondered this as well. With the apparent difficulty of recovering him and then the fellow's sinking, I was wondering if he was wearing a drysuit which was damaged and flooded. I drysuit full of water is like an anchor.

There is a news article here...

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/...scue_Death.php

[bogib]

They have choose of, both drysuit and survival suit as Triton mainly serves Greenland.

The rib can been seen in the background of the photo, hangin aside Triton or Hvidbjörnen this summer.

Bogi

[havener]

It doesn't matter where in the world it happens, news like this always hurts.

The boating community as a whole is quite close knit - the SAR community even more so.

Thoughts as ever are with the families and fellow crews at this time.

Calm waters and may the wind be always on your back.