Father and son die after boat capsizes in Lofoten

A 34-year-old man and his eight-year-old son have died after their boat capsized in the Nappstraumen strait in Lofoten on Maundy Thursday, Dagbladet reports.

A third person, the 34-year-old’s brother, was also on board but survived the accident. All three were local residents of Lofoten. Police have stated they will not release the names of the deceased at the family’s request.

The rescue operation was launched shortly before 8 pm after emergency services received reports of the capsizing. A rescue helicopter and vessel recovered the three individuals at 8:38 pm, according to Norway’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (HRS). None had managed to put on life jackets, and all were found cold and wet after clinging to the hull.

The father and son were initially taken to Nordland Hospital in Bodø before being airlifted to the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) in Tromsø. Four days later, on Easter Monday, police confirmed their deaths.

Investigators are examining the boat as part of ongoing efforts to determine the cause of the accident. “A preliminary picture of events has been established, but further investigations and interviews remain,” said police prosecutor Aslak Breivik Vannebo. Authorities are collaborating with the Norwegian Maritime Directorate.

The capsizing occurred near Flaget in Flakstad municipality. In a separate incident last September, two people died in Nappstraumen after a tourist boat carrying six visitors and a fishing guide overturned. A 36-year-old rescue worker from the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue also lost his life during the recovery operation.