The Icelandic government has pledged to join Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg (ICE-SAR) in completing the renewal of its remaining rescue ships, according to mbl.is. This announcement means state participation in the construction of the last three vessels needed for the volunteer rescue organisation’s fleet.
With this move, the government has now obligated itself to take part in the renewal of all 13 rescue ships operated by ICE-SAR, Landsbjörg, according to mbl.is and Bæjarins besta. However, there remains some uncertainty about the total number of vessels, as some reports state the aim is 16 ships in total.
A declaration of intent for acquiring these three additional rescue ships was signed by Borghildur Fjóla Kristjánsdóttir, chair of Landsbjörg, Minister of Industry Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, and Minister of Justice Þorbjörg S. Gunnlaugsdóttir. The signing took place during the opening of the Björgunar 26 international rescue conference, as reported by Bæjarins besta.
ICE-SAR and the government issued a press release to announce this partnership, though details are still unclear regarding whether the stated targets of 13, 16, or three additional ships all refer to the same set of projects.
Sources
- mbl.is (first reported) in Icelandic
- RÚV in Icelandic
- Fréttatíminn in Icelandic
- Bæjarins besta in Icelandic
