Two individuals hospitalized after boat strike in Otra River near Kristiansand

Two individuals were hospitalized after their boat struck a rock in the Otra River near Kristiansand center during the night. One of them sustained serious injuries. Emergency services were alerted shortly before 4 AM when several witnesses reported loud noises related to the incident.

Police, fire services, and ambulances responded to the scene where the boat had collided with the rock, and reports indicated individuals in the water. One person was quickly rescued by bystanders and is now awake and conscious. Another individual was located inside the boat and transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

A significant rescue operation was launched following the boat accident at Høivold Brygge, involving multiple police patrols, ambulances, dive teams, and a rescue vessel, alongside a call for an air ambulance to the scene.

The police are conducting interviews with those involved and working to secure blood samples. It remains unclear when the sunken boat will be lifted, as this will depend on agreements with the insurance company. Notably, the boat had been reported stolen three days prior to the accident.

The police in Agder are continuing their search along the shoreline. They have explored various hypotheses, including the possibility of more people being involved in the incident. However, as of now, no additional individuals have been found, and the search has been concluded.