Norwegian ship in Tjörn accident faces criticism after new inspection reveals rule violations

An unannounced inspection of the cargo ship Misje Verde on Thursday revealed violations of rest time regulations, according to the Norwegian Maritime Authority. The inspection took place in the port of Kvinesdal in Agder, as reported by communications manager Dag Inge Aarhus to the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter.

The inspection was prompted by a Swedish investigation into the ship following an accident near Tjörn, Sweden, the previous week. The vessel had also received several remarks during port control checks in recent years.

During Thursday's inspection, breaches related to rest time rules, working conditions onboard, and work organization were found. Inspectors also identified certain technical deficiencies that must be rectified before the ship can leave port. Aarhus emphasized that these issues were not related to the ship's safety.

In a previous control in Norway in January, ten technical faults were discovered, four of which were serious enough to require immediate repair before the ship could sail. "We take it seriously that there are still so many findings on such a relatively new vessel," said Aarhus.

The shipping company that owns the ship, Roald Misje, stated that the company would review the report according to its normal procedures and that necessary measures would be implemented. On Tuesday, July 28, the Norwegian-owned cargo ship sank a recreational boat carrying a Swedish couple in their 40s and their two children. The father and son sustained serious injuries but survived. The mother and daughter were found dead by divers on the seabed the following Thursday. The ship's captain, a Russian man in his 50s, is in custody and charged with negligent homicide. The Swedish pilot onboard is charged with negligent homicide and maritime negligence but is not in custody. Both deny guilt.