World War IIMS Hardhausen
The Norwegian MS Hardhausen was crossing the Ofotfjord on 1 February 1942 with 300 barrels of salted herring, en route from Kvitnes in Vesterålen to Narvik, when it was shelled and sunk by the German coastal artillery at Tjeldodden. On board, the crew initially believed the gunfire to be part of a military exercise and stopped the vessel, before proceeding toward the German control station. During this manoeuvre, the ship was fired upon and sunk, resulting in the deaths of two men.
It should be noted that Hardhausen lacked signalling equipment approved by the Germans. However, the Germans were aware that the vessel was due to pass through the area on its return voyage and made no effort to inform the crew of the requirements. The Norwegian crew, in turn, was unaware that they were expected to call at Lødingen to receive instructions regarding signal procedures, despite having sailed in and out of the Ofotfjord many times before.
About MS Hardhausen
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Nationality
Norway
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Built
1902
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Wrecked
01.02.1942
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Carrier
Jakobsen,Gidsken N.,Narvik
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Tonnage
48 brt
