The Lomur, a 43-metre trawler, operated in coastal waters, fishing for prawn and Atlantic cod, with 11 crew members.
Photo: Royal Greenland.
Royal Greenland has announced that its trawler Lomur has sunk off the west coast of Greenland, following an unspecified accident during the night of 17 March 2024.
The crew are all safe and well, having been rescued by a joint operation which involved the Danish navy's Arctic Command and the Greenland Police, the company has confirmed.
"It is with great regret that we have to announce that our trawler Lomur has been involved in an accident and sunk west of Sisimiut during the night of today 17 March. We must emphasize that all ten crew members have been rescued and are safe and well despite the serious incident," said Royal Greenland CEO Susanne Arfelt Rajamand, in a statement published on the company's website.
Built in 1988, the 43-metre trawler was one of the oldest in the Royal Greenland fleet, and had a catch capacity of 6,000 tons per year, according to the company website. It operated in coastal waters, fishing for prawn and Atlantic cod, with 11 crew members.
The Lomur is the only fishing vessel listed as being part of Royal Greenland's coastal fleet on the company's website, while nine vessels of varying capacities are identified as forming its offshore fleet.
The precise details of the accident that led to the trawler sinking have not yet been confirmed.
"Our focus is now on providing the necessary support to the crew and their families in the aftermath of this incident. We have immediately taken steps to ensure that those involved receive professional crisis counselling."
"We would like to recognise the fast and effective rescue operations carried out by Arctic Command, Greenland Police, and all others who contributed to ensuring the safety of the crew. Their efforts have been crucial."
"The crew's handling of the situation shows a high level of professionalism and training that we at Royal Greenland appreciate. Their ability to act decisively in an emergency situation emphasizes the importance of our continuous focus on safety and preparedness."
Rajamand said the company are working with the relevant authorities to analyze exactly what happened, and to determine the causes of the accident.
"Currently we are identifying the implications on our operations and supply security towards our business partners and we will take appropriate action if needed," Rajamand said.