Ship Sinks In Reykjavík Harbour

The sand dredger Perla sunk in Reykjavík harbour this morning, just after being launched after a week in dry dock.

The ship, which has done extensive work around the Westman Islands to clean the harbour there, was launched this morning after a week in dry dock. RÚV reports that a leak on board was reported to firefighters at 10:42.

The stern began to sink quickly, but firefighters and the engineer were able to get the crew to shore without any injuries. It is believed that the ship sank because someone had forgotten to close the hull shutters before it was launched. The ship completely sank in less than half an hour.

When Grapevine arrived at the scene, police had cordoned off the area, and a string of buoys had been placed around the area where the ship now lies at the harbour bottom, but its mast still visibly appears poking out of the water.

Police and firefighters are now at work to keep the area contained, to prevent any possible oil contamination.