A 135-meter cargo ship ran aground early Thursday morning on the coast of Byneset, just west of Trondheim, after the vessel’s officer reportedly fell asleep while on watch. The incident, which left the vessel stranded just meters from a residential home, has drawn international attention and prompted an investigation by Norwegian authorities.
Officer charged with negligent navigation
According to a press release from the Trøndelag Police District, a Ukrainian man in his 30s, serving as second officer aboard the NCL-operated ship Salten, has been charged with negligent navigation under section 14 of Norway’s Ship Safety Act. The law mandates that ships must be navigated in a manner that does not endanger lives, health, the environment, or property.
“He has admitted to having fallen asleep alone on duty,” said prosecuting attorney Kjetil Bruland Sørensen, confirming that the man was the only crew member on the bridge at the time of the accident.
While visibly shaken by the incident, the officer has not yet admitted guilt in legal terms. “He is strongly affected by the incident but also relieved that the consequences were not more severe,” stated his defense lawyer, Torfinn Svanem.
Investigations extend to captain and rest regulations
Authorities are also investigating the ship’s captain, who has been given the status of suspect as a procedural measure. Police are scrutinizing whether the crew’s rest periods and bridge staffing levels were compliant with maritime regulations.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority has been contacted and relevant ship documents have been secured. Initial assessments have ruled out technical failure or intoxication as contributing factors.
Local and international spotlight on surreal scene
The event’s dramatic imagery, showing the green NCL Salten beached in the garden of local resident Johan Helberg, has gone viral. “I woke up to a 135-meter container ship outside my window. It was surreal,” Helberg told local media.
Media coverage quickly escalated, with outlets such as Bild, The Guardian, and The New York Times reporting on the story. “Help! I have a cargo ship in my garden,” read the German headline.
Crowds of onlookers have since flocked to Byneset, causing traffic disruptions, prompting local police to erect barriers. “I understand the curiosity, but when people peek through my windows, it goes too far,” Helberg remarked.
Safe rescue efforts underway
The vessel’s operator, Norwegian Container Line (NCL), is cooperating with authorities and has launched its own internal review. A rescue operation to refloat the ship is ongoing, with safety for the 16 crew members, emergency personnel, and local residents being the top priority.
“This process must proceed in a stepwise and safe manner,” NCL stated, underlining that all stakeholders must share a clear understanding of the risks before the ship can be moved.
Despite the close call, no injuries were reported among the crew or local residents.
