Investigators have charged a watch officer with negligent navigation after a cargo ship ran aground in Norway while he was asleep. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has raised concerns over maritime safety regulations.
Ship Watch Officer Allegedly Asleep During Grounding Incident in Norway
Ship Watch Officer Allegedly Asleep During Grounding Incident in Norway
A large container vessel crashed into a resident's garden after its watch officer, a Ukrainian national, fell asleep on duty, resulting in a police investigation.
The watch officer of a large cargo ship that ran aground in Norway has informed police he was asleep on duty when the accident occurred. The incident, which took place Thursday morning in Byneset, near Trondheim, involved the 135-meter (443-foot) Cypriot-flagged cargo ship, the NCL Salten, crashing into a local resident's front garden. The watch officer, a Ukrainian in his thirties, confessed to investigators that he dozed off while solely responsible for navigating the vessel.
Following the grounding, he has been charged with negligent navigation, and authorities are examining whether the crew complied with the required working and rest hours. Reports indicate that the ship narrowly missed a nearby house, coming dangerously close to entering a bedroom. Although the crew members numbered 16 and were navigating through the Trondheim Fjord en route to Orkanger, the ship failed to make the necessary course adjustments, which resulted in the incident.
NCL, the logistics company that chartered the ship, characterized the grounding as a "serious incident," expressing gratitude that no one was injured. The company confirmed it is cooperating with police during their inquiries, emphasizing that their utmost priority remains the safe and effective salvage operation of the vessel.
Local resident Johan Helberg described the shocking event of witnessing the massive ship in his garden, expressing amazement at how close it was to his home. Helberg's neighbor recounted a terrifying experience, highlighting the panic that ensued when the ship approached the shore.
Unexpectedly, this is not the first time the NCL Salten has run aground; it had previously encountered a similar incident in 2023, although the crew managed to free the vessel autonomously. As the investigation proceeds, the maritime community is focused on the implications of this event for maritime safety protocols and watch officer responsibilities.
