A burning fishing vessel drifted into Swedish waters near Skagen, prompting coordinated rescue efforts by Danish and Swedish authorities. Photo: Skagen Redningsstation
A fire broke out aboard a fishing vessel 18 nautical miles off Skagen on Monday evening, prompting a major rescue operation. The vessel, which was fully engulfed in flames, later drifted into Swedish waters while still burning.
Skagen Rescue Station was alerted just before 8 pm. By the time their fast-response boat, FRB08, reached the location, a nearby cutter had already rescued the fisherman on board. “We arrived at the scene and were informed that the crew member had been safely picked up,” reported the station on social media.
Due to the intensity of the fire and the risk of an explosion, the rescue crew maintained a safe distance from the burning vessel. As the flames subsided, a decision was made in collaboration with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) to deploy Skagen’s larger rescue boat, Lars Kruse, equipped with fire pumps to attempt to control the fire.
Coordination with Swedish Authorities
While rescue operations were underway, the vessel, driven by currents, crossed into Swedish waters. The Swedish Coast Guard took over firefighting and towing responsibilities, dispatching a vessel to assist. Eventually, the damaged fishing vessel was handed over to Danish authorities and towed into Skagen Harbour early Tuesday morning by two Skawlink ships.
It was reported locally that when the vessel arrived at port, the fire was still active, and thick smoke was clearly visible. Local firefighting units immediately began extinguishing the remaining fire on the vessel.
The SK 961 Musse after it was towed into Skagen Harbour. Photo: Skagen redningsstation
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