Samuel Massie’s Sailing Adventure Encountered Dramatic Rescue off Norwegian Coast
A sailing trip led by adventurer Samuel Massie experienced significant difficulties this week when his newly acquired wooden boat, the 62-foot “Johanne Marie,” encountered trouble during a voyage from Oslo to Bergen, Norway. The incident required a dramatic rescue operation involving multiple vessels.
Initial Voyage and Ice Damage
Samuel Massie, known for his appearances on “Skal vi danse,” his writing and previous expedition participation, embarked on the journey with a crew of three, including Andreas Brandvoll, a leader in the organization Plastpiratene. The voyage began on Wednesday, but quickly ran into problems due to substantial ice in the Oslofjord.
According to Brandvoll, the boat sustained significant damage after colliding with ice near Tofte, south of Drøbaksundet, resulting in a large breach in the hull and substantial water ingress. The crew managed to activate the boat’s pumps and navigate to Horten for repairs.
Repairs and Second Attempt
In Horten, the crew installed an “ishud,” a metal plate commonly used on wooden boats to protect them from ice damage. After a day of intensive repairs, they resumed their journey towards Bergen on Friday morning. However, the respite was short-lived.
Second Water Ingress and Rescue Operation
Approximately two hours into the resumed voyage, the “Johanne Marie” began taking on water again at an alarming rate. Brandvoll described the situation as critical, noting that wooden boats sink quickly. The crew donned survival suits, activated all available pumps and emergency generators, and issued a distress call via VHF radio.
A video captured during the incident shows Massie with water up to his knees, attempting to pump out the water as it rapidly filled the boat. Brandvoll was heard stating, “Here the journey ends, the ship goes down.”
the crew was rescued by a combined effort from a rescue boat, a rescue helicopter, and the rescue vessel “Rødvik.” “Rødvik” provided additional pumps, enabling the crew to remove enough water to tow the vessel to Tønsberg.
Current Status and Future Plans
As of Monday, February 23, 2026, Brandvoll reported being safe in Tønsberg, awaiting a train home. Massie, currently in Finnmarksvidda, confirmed that the boat is afloat and secured in a safe harbor. He expressed his intention to restore the vessel, including further ice protection measures.
Brandvoll, reflecting on the experience, jokingly remarked that a recent personal issue was more dramatic than the sailing incident.
About Plastpiratene
Andreas Brandvoll is a leader in Plastpiratene, an organization dedicated to cleaning up plastic pollution and salvaging abandoned boats. Plastpiratene was founded in 2018 and relies on member contributions to fund its operations, including raising abandoned vessels and supporting individuals in need. More information about Plastpiratene can be found on their website.