The crew of AIDAnova rescued four fishermen from a life raft after their vessel caught fire in the Skagerrak between Denmark and Norway.
The rescue took place on the afternoon of Sunday, 18 October 2026, while the AIDA Cruises ship was travelling from Kiel to Bergen on the first leg of a seven-night Norwegian itinerary.
AIDA Cruises said AIDAnova changed course after receiving a distress call and headed towards the reported position. When the cruise ship reached the scene, the four fishermen had already abandoned their vessel and were waiting in a life raft.
Rescue boat launched from AIDAnova
A rescue boat was launched from AIDAnova to recover the fishermen. All four were brought safely aboard the cruise ship and were reported to be uninjured.
They underwent routine examinations in AIDAnova's onboard medical centre before being cared for aboard the ship during the onward voyage to Bergen.
AIDAnova reached Bergen as scheduled on Monday, 19 October, despite the diversion and rescue operation.
Fishing vessel seen in flames
Passenger photographs and video from AIDAnova showed heavy smoke and flames coming from the fishing vessel as the cruise ship stood nearby. Maritime reports identified the vessel as a Danish-registered fishing boat operating in Norwegian waters.
Norwegian rescue services reportedly dispatched a helicopter and called on ships in the area to assist. The Color Line ferry SuperSpeed 1 was also reported to have altered course and remained available while AIDAnova carried out the recovery.
No official cause for the fire had been announced at the time of publication. Deck7 has also not found an authoritative update confirming the subsequent condition or recovery of the fishing vessel.
AIDA praises trained crew
AIDA Cruises said it was relieved that all four fishermen were safe and that the operation had been completed successfully.
The company said its crew was trained for emergencies of this kind and had immediately taken the steps needed to bring the fishermen aboard and provide appropriate care. It thanked AIDAnova's crew and the other emergency responders involved at the scene.
Norwegian cruise continued as planned
AIDAnova had departed Kiel on Saturday, 17 October, for a voyage visiting Bergen, Geiranger, Alesund and Stavanger. The ship was scheduled to return to Kiel on 24 October.
The rescue did not prevent the ship from reaching Bergen on schedule, and no injuries were reported among the rescued fishermen.
Frequently asked questions
When did AIDAnova rescue the fishermen?
The operation took place on Sunday afternoon, 18 October 2026.
Where did the rescue happen?
It happened in the Skagerrak, the stretch of water between Denmark and Norway, while AIDAnova was sailing from Kiel to Bergen.
How many people were rescued?
Four fishermen were recovered from a life raft.
Were any of the fishermen injured?
No. AIDA Cruises said all four were brought aboard uninjured and underwent routine medical examinations in the ship's hospital.
Did AIDAnova continue its cruise?
Yes. The fishermen travelled aboard AIDAnova to Bergen, where the ship arrived on schedule on 19 October.
What caused the fishing vessel to catch fire?
No official cause had been announced when this article was prepared.
Was the fishing vessel recovered?
Deck7 has not found a confirmed update detailing the vessel's eventual condition or recovery.