Inghams’ clients injured in boat accident
Ten British tourists and a local man were taken to hospital following a boating accident off the coast of Norway.
Police said the holidaymakers and a Norwegian driver were hurt when an inflatable speedboat hit a water fountain close to the town of Harstad.
All 11 people were flung into the sea and a second boat following behind was then caught up in the accident, say reports.
Norwegian police said the 10 passengers and the driver spent about 15 minutes in the 6C water and two people were seriously injured but none of the injuries is thought to be life-threatening.
An Inghams’ spokesman said the tourists had been on a boat excursion as part of its ‘Arctic Fjord’ short break. They had arrived in Harstad, a large island in northern Norway, on Wednesday.
He said: "Following an incident in Harstad, Northern Norway, our local team is assisting ten guests who took a boat excursion as part of their ‘Arctic Fjord’ short break yesterday afternoon.
"It is reported that as they came into harbour at the end of the sea safari, the boat hit a fountain installation in the water, which was not operating at the time.
"The passengers, the boat pilot and our tour leader were all taken to hospital in Harstad for check-ups. Sadly it appears that the boat pilot has more serious injuries, and has been transferred to Tromso hospital.
"Six of the guests involved were discharged from hospital yesterday, whilst four others and our tour leader stayed overnight in Harstad hospital on a precautionary basis. Three of these guests are currently expected to be discharged today.
"An additional senior tour manager was sent to Harstad yesterday evening, and is now in situ with the guests involved, looking after their comfort and safety as our absolute priority, and a further experienced manager is currently en route from the UK.
"In conjunction with the boat operating company and local tourist authorities, we are supporting the Norwegian police in conducting a thorough investigation into the incident."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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