The MS Nordlys ("Northern Light"), a Norwegian cruise ship, is dangerously close to tipping over on Sept. 16 after a fire broke out in the engine room the day before. A local police chief said the ship was tilting at an angle of 21.7 degrees -- over the critical limit of 20 degrees -- and that rescue teams were furiously trying to pump water out to restore balance.


For 36 hours following the fire on board Nordlys the situation was critical as the capsizing danger angle of 20° was exceeded. The situation was saved by a specialist team of four men from the Netherlands who risked their lives on board to install extra pumps. Once these were in action the hull could be sealed much better and today the ship only has a 5° list and can be saved.