Report on collision between a recreational craft and a personal watercraft in Fognafjorden, Stavanger, 1. September 2024
Marine report 2025/03
At 1:17 a.m. on 1 September 2024, a recreational craft and a personal watercraft collided in the Fognafjord north of Stavanger. Two boys, aged 15 and 16, on the personal watercraft died, while the driver of the recreational craft sustained no physical injuries. It was dark with no moonlight, and the personal watercraft had no navigation lights or other lights that could have made it more visible. The Norwegian Safety investigation Authority is of the opinion that this was the main reason why the skipper on the recreational craft did not discover the personal watercraft, which was on a collision course. It is uncertain whether the boys on the personal watercraft identified the navigation lights of the recreational craft before the collision, or if they became aware of the boat at some point but it was too late to manoeuvre away. Alternatively, if they saw the boat’s lights before the accident, they may have misjudged the distance, course, and speed of the oncoming vessel.
Shortly after 1 a.m., the recreational craft was heading north in the Fognafjord at a speed of 25–27 knots. At the same time, the personal watercraft was heading south at approximately 40 knots. For more than 16 seconds, the two vessels were on a direct collision course.
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority carried out an observational voyage in the same area under similar darkness conditions as on the night of the accident. The voyage showed that it was nearly impossible to visually detect a vessel without navigation lights, even at short distances.
Estimation of distance is particularly difficult in the dark
Estimating distance is especially challenging in the dark, as visual references in the terrain and surroundings will become less visible or are not visible at all. It is particularly difficult to judge the distance to a vessel approaching head-on. The NSIA’s investigation also showed that because the two vessels were moving toward each other at relatively high speeds, there was very little time to react if the distance estimation was incorrect.
Navigation lights are a crucial prerequisite for safe navigation in the dark
Navigation lights are essential for being seen by other vessels and are a key requirement for safe navigation at night. The investigation has shown that retrofitting navigation lights on personal watercrafts in accordance with the regulations is challenging.
According to current regulations, a personal watercraft must display navigation lights when operated between sunset and sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility. In practice, this means that operating such a vessel in the dark without lights is prohibited.
Important to consider youth risk behavior in the Norwegian Maritime Authority’s vision zero
Today, young people as young as 16 years old are allowed to operate recreational crafts at speeds of up to 50 knots, provided they have an approved boating license. Due to their young age, they often have little experience with operating a boat in the dark, which can lead to dangerous situations. Research shows that, compared to adults, adolescents often underestimate risk and are more focused on the benefits of risky behavior than on the dangers involved.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority’s vision zero includes proposed measures relating to speed and competence. Based on the findings of this investigation, the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority believes that youth risk behavior is also an important factor that must be taken into account in the further work with the vision zero.
Published 25.06.2025
Facts
| Location | Fognafjorden north of Stavanger |
| Occurrence date | 01.09.2024 |
| Accident category | Collision |
| Area | Norwegian Territorial Waters |
| Name of vessel | Fritidsfartøy |
| Accident type | Fatal Accident, Collision |