According to a report from the Norwegian Sea Rescue Society, a rescue diver tragically lost his life on September 26 while attempting to save a young girl during a dramatic operation in Lofoten’s Nappstraumen strait. While six individuals were successfully rescued from the capsized fishing charter boat, the search for the girl continues.
The emergency unfolded when RS 125 “Det Norske Veritas” was dispatched at 12:49 local time after reports of a vessel capsizing between Flakstadøya and Vestvågøya. The boat had seven people aboard—four adults, two children, and their fishing guide.
By 13:04, RS 125 had departed Ballstad and arrived at the scene by 13:15. The crew managed to rescue six people who had clung to the overturned hull of their boat. However, one young girl remained unaccounted for in the water. Diver Adrian Willyson Brask bravely entered the sea to locate her.
Just minutes later, at approximately 13:32, Brask was hoisted onto a rescue helicopter but tragically required CPR from his fellow crew members aboard RS 125 shortly thereafter. Despite their best efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
The loss has been described as devastating by Redningsselskapet officials who emphasized that Brask was engaged in what they termed “the most important task” of saving lives during emergencies.
Grete Herlofson, Secretary General of Redningsselskapet, announced that support systems have been established for Brask’s family and colleagues as they navigate this difficult time. She extended heartfelt condolences not only to Brask’s loved ones but also to those affected by the ongoing search for the missing child.
A dedicated member of his community since starting as a volunteer with Stord’s Sea Rescue Corps before joining Redningsselskapet this spring as chief mate on Ballstad’s crew; colleagues remember him fondly for his commitment and skill.
The operation mobilized extensive resources; RS 138 “Sundt Flyer” was sent from Svolvær around 13:40 with additional divers joining efforts shortly after. By mid-afternoon it became clear that no one else was trapped inside the capsized vessel prompting searches along nearby beaches instead.
The mission concluded around 15:40 when RS 125 returned home after an exhaustive effort spanning several hours into late evening with further assistance arriving via RS 136 “Halvdan Grieg.” Meanwhile police initiated standard procedures including seizing diving equipment belonging to Brask at approximately18:49 as part of an investigation into this tragic event.
Maritime Director Gorm Hillgaar confirmed that both an internal review is underway within Redningsselskapet alongside inquiries being conducted by Norway’s Accident Investigation Board aimed at enhancing safety protocols moving forward.
This incident marks what Herlofson referred to as “the darkest day” for Norway’s rescue services over more than a century—a sentiment echoed across Europe among sister organizations offering condolences during this challenging period.
In response friends have initiated fundraising efforts online aimed towards supporting Brask’s family through these trying times.
For those wishing contribute can do so via this link.
