Remarkable scenes in eastern Iceland yesterday as a gust of wind so strong that it blew an entire shipping container off the dock and out to sea, was caught on film.
A 40-foot freezer container is a common sight on the quays of coastal towns all around Iceland. The metal boxes are the size of small buildings — and just as hard to move without heavy machinery. But yesterday morning in the tiny East Fjords village of Stodvafjordur (on the shore of the fjord with the same name), the wind managed the seemingly impossible.
Local resident Bjorgvin Valur Gudmundsson got the whole thing on a video which he quickly uploaded to the internet. The viewer sees an undeniably blustery day, before a gust visibly comes in, almost looking like a sandstorm or a tidal wave. All the boats in the harbour move in unison, and so does their pontoon. And the unlucky shipping container does not stand a chance.
The Coastguard was called upon for help and the brand new cruiser, Thor, was sent to the scene. By lucky coincidence, Thor was located in neighbouring Faskrudsfjordur following Saturday’s rescue of the rudderless freighter, Alma. It now appears that Thor’s first proper search & rescue mission in Iceland will be less dramatic and glamorous than perhaps some had imagined: to save a 40-foot shipping container. That is not yet certain, however; because no decision had been made at the time of writing as to whether or not the container would be brought aboard.
In other news related to Saturday’s rescue, divers in Faskrudsfjordur yesterday discovered that Alma has completely lost her rudder, in its entirety. Details are expected early this week as to whether Alma will be repaired; where; when and how long it might take.
Read more: http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2011/11 ... z1d30MKvys
The video can be watched here (real action around 50 secs)
Freaky weather... what can cause that? Just a "gust" . Any data on windspeeds?
It seems all clear... and then boom... there the wind comes... and such a container..weighs a few thousands kilo i guess?