Investigation of a marine accident involving a rental boat in Nappstraumen, Lofoten
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority has launched an investigation into the maritime accident involving a rental boat that occurred on 26 September 2025 in Nappstraumen, Lofoten in north of Norway. There were six Swedish tourists and a tourist guide on board when the vessel capsized. A rescue operation was launched in which a diver from the Rescue Service died. The tourist guide and five of the group were rescued from the hull of the capsized vessel. A young Swedish girl, who also was part of the group, died as a result of the accident. She was later found dead inside the wheelhouse, which had become detached from the vessel and sunk.
The investigation will clarify the sequence of events and the contributing factors to the accident. Based on this, the NSIA will assess areas for improving safety.
It is not the NSIA’s task to apportion blame or liability under criminal or civil law. The purpose of the investigation is solely to contribute to learning and the prevention of serious incidents and accidents.
Status of investigation
The investigation is still ongoing.
The investigation will be divided into two reports, Part 1 and Part 2.
- Part 1 will present the findings of the NSIA’s examination of the sequence of events leading up to the capsize, and the subsequent period until the evacuation of the survivors had been completed. Among other things, the report will examine how the capsize could occur, as well as the vessel’s design and stability in relation to the applicable regulations.
- Part 2 will present the findings of the NSIA’s investigation of the diving accident. This report will address the rescue attempt following the vessel’s capsize, when the diver from the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue was tasked with recovering the person who remained in the pilothouse. Among other things, the report will examine how the accident could occur and assess the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue’s diving operations and risk management.
The investigation is in its final phase.
Latest update: 23.09.2026
Facts
| Location | Nappstraumen, Lofoten |
| Occurrence date | 26.09.2025 |
| Accident category | Capsize |
| Area | Norwegian Territorial Waters |
| Name of vessel | Utleiebåt |
| Accident type | Fatal Accident, Capsize, Passenger accident, Loss of stability |
| Vessel type | Passenger Ship - Ferry |