Bulk Carrier Capsized off Norway. 18 Mariners Feared Dead

The crew was made up of 24 Filipinos, three Dutchmen, two Norwegians, and one German. The 544-foot ship was carrying rocks to Germany when it overturned in icy waters estimated to be at least minus 21 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rescue workers were at the site minutes after the ship capsized less than 100 yards from land. They recovered two bodies and 12 crew members. However, 16 of the crew are still missing and feared dead. The trapped men could be heard knocking and shouting for hours after the accident, but there were no signs of life several hours later.

The ?Rocknes? is only 3 years old and had been inspected by Norwegian Maritime Authorities only last year. Booms were placed around the ship to contain its 445 tons of fuel oil.