Bulk Carrier LMZ Pluto Evacuated in Norwegian Sea After Engine Failure
The bulk carrier LMZ Pluto experienced engine trouble and propulsion problems in the Norwegian Sea on Tuesday evening, triggering an evacuation of its 23 crew members. The South Norway Central Rescue Service (HRS) initiated the rescue operation after receiving an emergency message from the vessel, according to TV 2.
Evacuation Underway
Two helicopters from Ørland were dispatched to assist the LMZ Pluto and have commenced the evacuation of the crew. As of 7 p.m. Local time, crews were being hoisted to safety, as reported by Nordland newspaper. The evacuees are expected to be disembarked at Værnes airport.
Vessel Details and Route
The LMZ Pluto, a bulk carrier built in 2011, is registered in the Marshall Islands. According to MarineTraffic, the ship was en route from Murmansk, Russia, to Santa Marta, Colombia. The vessel is approximately 190 meters long and 32.26 meters wide.
Not Linked to Shadow Fleet
Initial investigations indicate the LMZ Pluto is not connected to any sanctions lists nor does it appear to be part of the Russian shadow fleet. Line Falkenberg Ollestad, head of geopolitics at the Shipowners’ Association, stated to ShipNext that the vessel does not exhibit characteristics typically associated with such fleets, which are more commonly tankers. She added that sailing from Murmansk alone is insufficient to classify a ship as belonging to the shadow fleet, emphasizing that regular maritime traffic also originates from that port.
What is a Bulk Carrier?
A bulk carrier is a merchant ship designed to transport unpackaged bulk cargo, such as ore, minerals, grain, and coal. These vessels typically lack intermediate decks, maximizing cargo space.
Last updated: March 24, 2026