Norway Halts Sunken Ferry's Sister Ship

Citing indications of life raft and release system problems, Norway has withdrawn the operation permit of the sister ship of a high-speed ferry that sank in the North Sea on Nov. 26, killing up to 16 people. The Australian-built ultra-modern Draupner catamaran, which came into service along with the ill-fated Sleipner vessel in August, has been ordered to have its life raft and release system checked. In parliament, Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik said the government would consider raising the wreck of the Sleipner from waters 330 ft. (100 m) deep. It will also consider increasing funding to mark rocks along the coast.