Blind Spots

Early in the morning of November 8, 2018, the Norwegian frigate KNM Helge Ingstad collided with the 820-foot crude-oil tanker Sola TS, as the latter was departing the oil terminal at Stura, Norway, 30 miles northwest of Bergen. The hull of Sola TS was hardened for operating in ice-covered waters and further reinforced to prevent oil spills in the event of grounding or collision. Hence, the tanker’s bulbous bow functioned like a battering ram when it impacted the smaller warship.

’s engine room rapidly flooded, and the frigate saved itself from sinking in deep water by running aground. The crews of both vessels avoided serious injuries. Though the tanker was essentially heeled over and eventually sank in shallow water.