Ferry Lote Runs Aground in Norway, Passengers Safe
The ferry Lote, operated by Fjord 1, ran aground at Skarberget ferry berth in Norway on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at approximately 2:20 PM local time. There were 11 passengers and eight crew members on board, but no injuries have been reported, and there is no indication of hull penetration.
What Happened?
According to Fjord 1 regional manager Jan Petter Jagedal Thomsen, the MF Lote went aground on a shoal at the entrance to the Skarberget ferry berth. The ferry is unable to free itself under its own power. The Coast Guard and main rescue center were immediately contacted, and two civilian tugboats have been dispatched from Narvik, expected to arrive around 9:00 PM.
Service Disruption
The A route on the Bognes-Skarberget ferry connection has been canceled due to the incident. Fjord 1 initially reported an “operational problem” at 2:25 PM. The cancellation affects travel between Bognes ferjekai in Hamarøy and Skarberget ferjekai in Narvik, a route on Europavei 6 in Nordland.
Rescue Efforts and Timeline
The Coast Guard and rescue boat arrived at the scene around 6:30 PM. Authorities are awaiting high tide and the arrival of the tugboats to attempt to refloat the ferry. Jagedal Thomsen estimates the ferry will not be released until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, depending on tidal conditions.
Ferry Details
The Bognes-Skarberget ferry route typically takes about 25 minutes to complete, covering a distance of 6.8 kilometers. In 2024, the ferry transported a total of 155,841 vehicles, averaging 427 vehicles per day.
Previous Vessels on the Route
Several vessels have operated on the Bognes-Skarberget route over the years, including the Tjøtta (1965), Røberg (1979-1986), Hamarøy (1993-2008), and Melshorn (2008-2015, 2017-2022). A complete list of vessels that have served the route is available.
Looking Ahead
Fjord 1 reports that incidents of this nature are rare. The company’s emergency group is managing the situation, and they are coordinating with relevant agencies. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.