World War IIMS Rigel

The MS Rigel was attacked and sunk by Allied aircraft on 27 November 1944 off Tjøtta on the Helgeland coast. The vessel was under German command, flying the German flag, and crewed by German personnel. It was heading south carrying prisoners of war from three different locations in Nordland. Rigel departed Bodø on 26 November 1944 with 2,838 people on board, including 2,248 Soviet prisoners of war, 103 penal prisoners, 29 crew members, three pilots, and 455 soldiers. Among those on board, one of the pilots and a female crew member were Norwegian.

Rigel was hit by five bombs that detonated directly in the holds where the prisoners were confined, causing intense smoke and chaos. The ship was attempted run aground, but only partially succeeded. Throughout the attack, the aircraft continued their assault, leading to horrific scenes among the prisoners. In total, 2,571 people perished, while only 267 survived. The sinking of Rigel remains the largest loss of life at sea along the Norwegian coast during the war.