On January 6, 1976, Associated Press reported that the supertanker 'Berge Istra,' weighing 224,000 tons, had not arrived at its destination in the Japanese port city of Kimitsu, which it was scheduled to reach a day earlier. Following this alarming development, the ship's owners, Sig. Bergesen d.y. & Co., asked for two hours before informing the families of the crew about the situation. Initially, they communicated that the ship would simply be considered delayed, leading to a brief period of hope among the families, despite the severe circumstances surrounding the missing vessel.

The last communication between the ship's captain, Kristoffer Hemnes, and the company's Japanese agents occurred via Nagasaki Radio on the evening of December 29, 1975, while the ship was navigating outside the Moluccas in the Pacific Ocean. Following almost three weeks of radio silence, ship owner Sigval Bergesen d.y. signed a letter declaring the ship lost, which was a devastating conclusion for the families of the thirty-two crew members on board. Shortly after the announcement, hope rekindled when reports indicated the possibility of survivors.

This incident marked a significant moment in maritime history, as it emphasizes the perils of ocean travel and the importance of timely communication during crises. The eventual survival of two crew members highlighted both miraculous elements and tragic implications regarding shipping safety protocols, leading to discussions about improvements that could prevent such disasters in the future. This event remains etched in the memories of those affected, emphasizing the human cost behind shipping industry tragedies.