It started with laughter for Tuva Schøyen Grue (20). She is co-owner of the boat that was occupied by a sleepy walrus weighing several hundred kilos on Saturday in Kragerø. Grue was in a family party in Tønsberg when she received a picture of the walrus sent from a cabin neighbor in Stabbestad. There and then it was not so easy to relate to the absurdity that a walrus relaxed in her rubber boat. It quickly became clear that the boat was punctured. Tuva Schøyen Grue uses the boat most in the family when they are at the cabin, partly because she is a sailing coach. Photo: Private The boat was destroyed Thus, the 16-foot boat ended up with an engine of 40 horsepower partly under water. On Sunday it was picked up and put ashore. – I am very excited about whether the insurance company really covers the damages, says Grue. For the walrus’ taste in boating led to major damage to the boat she owns with her parents and sister. – The boat and the engine are totally damaged, says Steinar Jensen in Jensen boat storage. He has taken care of the boat for the family. Hope the insurance covers the walrus’ injuries The parents have contacted their insurance company Eika, who has replied that they will look into the matter on Monday. – It’s an unjustified case. How often do you get a walrus in the boat, asks mother Kjersti Hillbo Grue on the phone from Hol municipality in Viken county, where she lives. Now she hopes the insurance company is helpful, since it is a special event. news has not succeeded in getting in touch with the insurance company they use. Freya thrived on board the boat of Tuva Schøyen Grue. Photo: Kragerø Brannvesen / NTB Need bigger insurance Gjensidige’s communications director, Øystein Thoresen, believes boat owners have little chance of being covered by the walrus’ visit. For the boat had only liability insurance. He says liability insurance only covers your damage to other people’s property. – The walrus probably hardly has its own liability insurance. Otherwise you could sue the person who destroyed the boat, he smiles. He says full damage insurance on the boat would cover the damage. Gjensidige’s communications director, Øystein Thoresen, believes the owners have little chance of getting the damages covered. Photo: Gjensidige Special case Kjersti Hillbo Grue hopes a natural damage insurance can help them. But Thoresen also does not think it will cover the destruction. But he agrees that this is a special accident. – I have never heard of an animal that has destroyed a boat.
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Boat owner is excited about whether the insurance covers walrus damage – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
