Bye to the Toftevaag: Alnitak’s legendary vessel that has protected the Mediterranean for more than 35 years
The legendary marine research vessel sank on April 10 while sailing in the Cantabrian Sea.
On April 10, 2025, during a voyage in the Cantabrian Sea, the Toftevaag, Alnitak’s historic research vessel, leaked water after colliding with a drifting log, causing it to sink near the Avilés canyon in the Cantabrian Sea, approximately 50 km off the Asturian coast. Six people were on board, and they were rescued safely thanks to the swift action of the Civil Guard at Avilés Airport, the Maritime Rescue Service, the Galician Regional Government’s Coast Guard, and the collaboration of the merchant ship Sandra. This expedition marked the beginning of a new era for the Toftevaag. After months of preparations, the ship was being transferred to the Arctic Lodge in Andøya, Norway, where it would be loaned to continue working on whale conservation, this time in the Arctic.
“There was a lot of excitement about this trip,” explains Ricardo Sagarminaga, biologist and founder of Alnitak. “After so much effort, the ship was sailing happily, with a favorable wind and a good pace, when suddenly everything changed.” After the impact, the crew activated the emergency pumps and informed Maritime Rescue, trying to contain the situation for two intense hours. “Ultimately, we made the most important decision: to save lives. The vessel sailed away calmly, with dignity, like a whale gliding to the bottom of the ocean,” says Sagarminaga. The Toftevaag now rests at a depth of 1,200 meters in the Avilés Canyon, an area of great ecological value, home to sperm whales and the scene of some of Alnitak’s earliest research, including the sighting of a giant squid and iconic voyages since the organization’s inception.
Built in Norway in 1907, the Toftevaag was a fishing and transport vessel in Northern Europe for decades. Since 1989, it has served as an applied science platform for Alnitak, actively contributing to the conservation of the Mediterranean and the protection of species such as turtles, cetaceans, and seabirds. Its figure has been a symbol of commitment, perseverance, and respect for the sea. “We are deeply grateful for the affection of so many friends of the ‘Tofte’ and the rescue teams’ impeccable professionalism. Thanks to them, the most valuable thing has been saved: our lives,” Sagarminaga emphasizes.
This event is not an end but a turning point in Alnitak’s history. The organization continues leading the European LIFE OASIS project, co-financed by the European Union through the LIFE and Natura 2000 programs. This initiative highlights collaboration with artisanal fishers, sailors, marine wildlife recovery centers, and patrol vessels, recognizing them as custodians of the sea in activities such as sea turtle rescue and the reporting and recovery of abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG).
Furthermore, LIFE OASIS uses Mediterranean artisanal fisheries that employ aFADs (anchored Fishing Aggregating Devices) in Malta, Italy, and Spain as a laboratory to develop replicable solutions that improve marine conservation and promote sustainable fishing throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. Despite the material loss, Alnitak continues its mission. The spirit of the Toftevaag, its history, legacy, purpose, expedition, study, and action for marine life live on. Because a vessel can sink, but, its legacy and mark on the sea are indelible.