According to Fiskifréttir, a serious engine room explosion left the Icelandic fishing vessel Barði NK drifting helplessly north of the Faroe Islands for more than three hours after a fire broke out on board, causing significant damage.

The incident happened on Friday as the vessel was returning from engine maintenance work carried out in the Faroe Islands. Although the crew managed to extinguish the fire quickly, investigators say the damage inside the engine room was substantial.

Crew Stops Disaster

Only five crew members were on board when the fire erupted. Their task was simply to sail the vessel home after the overhaul had been completed.

According to skipper Theodór Elvar Haraldsson, an oil pipe ruptured in the engine room, triggering an explosion and fire. He said the crew’s extensive emergency training proved decisive.

The fire was brought under control within a short time. Haraldsson said a longer-lasting blaze could have led to a far more serious situation and potentially caused the crew to lose control of the emergency entirely.

Vessel Towed Back To Port

After the explosion, Barði NK drifted without control for more than three hours.

A Faroese patrol vessel responded to the emergency. It towed the ship back to Tórshavn, where the vessel had recently undergone maintenance. A sea trial had been completed before departure, and no faults had been detected.

Representatives from the vessel’s owner, insurance company and marine accident investigators travelled to the Faroe Islands over the weekend to assess the situation and examine the damage.

Training Praised After Fire

Officials involved in the response have praised the crew’s handling of the incident.

Páll Freysteinsson, safety manager for the vessel’s operator, said the damage was extensive but stressed that the crew’s rapid actions prevented a much worse outcome.

The company uses the Alda safety and training system across its fishing fleet. According to safety specialist Gísli Níls Einarsson, the crew had recently practised emergency drills covering similar scenarios. He said that preparation and knowledge made the difference when the real emergency struck.

The vessel remains out of service while repairs and investigations continue. No injuries were reported.