Although the delay was long concerning weather conditions, the salvage process for the sunken Norwegian frigate Helge Ingstad is almost completed, and the Norwegian Navy expects to raise it on February 7 for transport to a nearby naval base. Salvage divers managed to remove the majority of the frigate’s missiles and torpedoes for disposal. As the torpedoes were too sensitive to be transferred, they were destroyed nearby.
The vessel collided with a tanker off the Sture oil terminal on November 8, 2018. Despite the continues attempts to keep the vessel afloat, it eventually sank.
Minister of Defence Frank Bakke-Jensen commented that one of these wire ropes parted and struck a small boat during operations. Although no one was hurt, the incident could have resulted in serious injuries.
Generally, an underwater drone, usually used for hull inspections of shipping and offshore vessels, was employed to help the Norwegian Armed Forces during the marine salvage operations of the wrecked frigate.
Moreover, amongst tasks, salvage divers managed to remove the majority of the frigate’s missiles and torpedoes for disposal.
Concluding, the Norwegian Navy isn’t sure whether the frigate can be repaired and return to service. After the collision the vessel experienced structural damage, whereas the electronic and mechanical systems have been flooding for approximately three months.
