Trawler aground in Svalbard

A shrimp trawler lost control and drifted aground in Hinlopen Strait, Svalbard:


At 80 degr. north rescue and salvage operations are a challenge with winter darkness and the ice closing in. Initial inspection is not promising:

The operation to empty the Northguider for fuel before any attempt to pull her off.
An innovative method will be used:
https://www.highnorthnews.com/en/svalbard-forbereder-ekstrem-pumpeoperasjon-med-smabater

Very weather dependent and a snow storm is forecasted for tonight/tomorrow.

The storm peaked at hurricane force and evacuation for 100 people in Longyearbyen due to risk of avalanche:
http://icepeople.net/2019/01/09/wind-stormevacuation-watch-updates-as-necessary-evacuation-alert-as-hurricane-winds-of-160-kmh-level-four-avalanche-risk-forecast-thursday-for-svalbard/

Highest measured gusts so far 45.2 m/s ( >90 kts.) at Hornsund: