OSLO -- The 16 crew of a grounded cargo ship off western Norway were winched to safety by helicopter on Friday, Norwegian media reported. The Norwegian captain and mostly Polish crew, none of whom was injured, were rescued in high winds just north of Haugesund. Green Alesund, a refrigerated vessel carrying 3,500 tons of frozen fish, had sent a distress signal that it had engine failure and was adrift.
The ship with 400 tons of fuel ran aground on an islet just off the west coast and was leaking small amounts of fuel. (Reuter)