Crewless cargo ship drifts off Norwegian coast after emergency evacuation

A 200-metre bulk carrier is drifting unmanned in the Norwegian Sea after its 23-person crew was airlifted to safety following an engine failure, Norwegian maritime authorities confirmed Wednesday.

The LMZ Pluto, en route from Murmansk, Russia, to Santa Marta, Colombia, issued a distress call Tuesday afternoon while located west of Halten, Norway, according to a report by Dagbladet. Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) spokesperson Gro Kibsgaard described the situation as “special but undramatic,” noting no damage or collision had occurred.

A coast guard vessel is expected to reach the drifting ship by Wednesday evening to assess next steps in coordination with the ship’s operator, Kibsgaard said. “There is no current risk of unwanted incidents in the area where it is located,” she added, clarifying the vessel carries fertiliser—classified as a low-risk cargo.

The crew, all Filipino nationals, were evacuated by helicopter to Trondheim Airport, Værnes, where police conducted identity checks. Stian Aalberg of Trøndelag Police District told Dagbladet the shipping company has since taken responsibility for the seafarers, though their immediate status remains unclear.

Built in 2011 and registered in the Marshall Islands, the LMZ Pluto lost propulsion in rough weather, prompting the evacuation. Kibsgaard emphasised that while the situation is unusual, it poses no immediate hazard.