A 55-year-old fisherman from Hanstholm has died after the fishing vessel HM335 Flipper crashed into the harbour wall in rough seas on Sunday night.
The vessel ran into trouble as it returned to port. According to police, the boat had steering problems and struck the north-east mole. Heavy seas of up to 7.5 metres quickly filled the vessel with water.
Four men were on board. Three – aged 21, 21 and 33 – were rescued and brought ashore. The 55-year-old was pulled from the water in critical condition and flown to the hospital, but died shortly afterwards.
Rescue crews injured
A Defence helicopter and local rescue teams joined the effort. Two rescuers suffered injuries while helping from the mole and were later treated at the hospital. They are reported to be recovering.
Eyewitnesses told Danish media outlet Nordjyske that a nearby offshore ship lit up the scene with powerful spotlights while people on shore watched helplessly.
Investigation ahead
The police attribute the accident to the adverse weather conditions and the cutter’s steering issues. The Danish Maritime Authority will now investigate and decide how to salvage HM335 Flipper.
Police confirm that the family of the deceased has been informed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, colleagues, and the wider Danish fishing community, who now mourn a tragic loss at sea.