The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has said that low lubricating oil pressure likely caused engine failure on the cruiseship Viking Sky that led to a dramatic air rescue of nearly 500 passengers.
In preliminary findings, the NMA said that before entering the storm the ship had low lubricating oil levels although within the permitted limits.
When the 48,000-gt Viking Sky (built 2017) hit heavy seas, lubricating oil pumps stopped and alarms were triggered, which shut down the engines while it was off the coast of Norway over the weekend..
“The level of lubricating oil in the tanks was within set limits, however relatively low, when the vessel started to cross Hustadvika. The tanks were provided with level alarms, however these had not been triggered at this time," the NMA said in a statement.
“The heavy seas in Hustadvika probably caused movements in the tanks so large that the supply to the lubricating oil pumps stopped. This triggered an alarm indicating a low level of lubrication oil, which in turn shortly thereafter caused an automatic shutdown of the engines”
In response, Viking Ocean Cruises said it has inspected lubricating oil levels across its fleet, and it noted that it has started revising procedures.
“We will continue to work with our partners and the regulatory bodies in supporting them with the ongoing investigations,” the company said.
The Viking Sky had 1,300 passengers onboard when it lost power off the coast of Hustadvika Norway on Saturday.
A dramatic helicopter rescue followed to take nearly 500 passengers off the ship. The master laid anchor to prevent the ship from drifting ashore. It was able to restore power to one engine and taken out to sea by tugs. The ship is now at the port of Molde.
