Authorities are investigating the incident, where the vessel narrowly missed a residence, as the watch officer faces charges of negligent navigation.
**Ukrainian Officer Charged After Container Ship Crashes into Norwegian Garden**
**Ukrainian Officer Charged After Container Ship Crashes into Norwegian Garden**
An officer from a container ship that ran aground in Norway reportedly fell asleep while on duty, leading to serious maritime safety concerns.
The watch officer of a large container vessel, currently identified as a Ukrainian national in his thirties, has admitted to police that he was asleep during a critical period when his ship ran aground, crashing into a yard in Byneset, near Trondheim, Norway. The incident occurred early Thursday morning, causing significant alarm but thankfully no reported injuries.
Authorities have indicated that they will charge the officer with negligent navigation, while also probing compliance with maritime regulations regarding working hours. Prosecutor Kjetil Bruland Sørensen confirmed that the accused was in charge during the incident and failed to maneuver the vessel appropriately as it entered the Trondheim Fjord, narrowly avoiding a nearby residence.
The ship, known as the NCL Salten, measured 135 meters (443 feet) and was en route to Orkanger with 16 crew members onboard when it deviated from its intended path and ran aground. Although efforts to refloat the ship have yet to succeed, logistics company NCL has recognized the incident's seriousness and has committed to ensuring the safety of any ongoing salvage operations and fully cooperating with the investigation.
Local resident Johan Helberg expressed shock at witnessing the enormous vessel teetering only meters from his home. "It was so unreal,” he remarked after being alerted by a neighbor. Helberg noted that the ship came alarmingly close to his bedroom, stating, “It's a very bulky new neighbor but it will soon go away."
The neighbor’s son recounted the terror felt during the incident, describing how their father reacted in panic as the ship seemed destined to collide with their home. Fortunately, the experience, while frightening, left everyone unharmed. The ship has a prior incident in 2023, indicating potential patterns of navigation issues that require further attention from maritime authorities.
As investigations proceed, the maritime community watches closely to uncover the circumstances surrounding the grounding and the implications for shipping safety standards in Norwegian waters.
Authorities have indicated that they will charge the officer with negligent navigation, while also probing compliance with maritime regulations regarding working hours. Prosecutor Kjetil Bruland Sørensen confirmed that the accused was in charge during the incident and failed to maneuver the vessel appropriately as it entered the Trondheim Fjord, narrowly avoiding a nearby residence.
The ship, known as the NCL Salten, measured 135 meters (443 feet) and was en route to Orkanger with 16 crew members onboard when it deviated from its intended path and ran aground. Although efforts to refloat the ship have yet to succeed, logistics company NCL has recognized the incident's seriousness and has committed to ensuring the safety of any ongoing salvage operations and fully cooperating with the investigation.
Local resident Johan Helberg expressed shock at witnessing the enormous vessel teetering only meters from his home. "It was so unreal,” he remarked after being alerted by a neighbor. Helberg noted that the ship came alarmingly close to his bedroom, stating, “It's a very bulky new neighbor but it will soon go away."
The neighbor’s son recounted the terror felt during the incident, describing how their father reacted in panic as the ship seemed destined to collide with their home. Fortunately, the experience, while frightening, left everyone unharmed. The ship has a prior incident in 2023, indicating potential patterns of navigation issues that require further attention from maritime authorities.
As investigations proceed, the maritime community watches closely to uncover the circumstances surrounding the grounding and the implications for shipping safety standards in Norwegian waters.
