A large container ship ran aground in Norway after the watch officer admitted to falling asleep while on duty, leading to legal consequences and investigations into compliance with work-hour rules. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Watch Officer's Asleep on Duty Leads to Container Ship Crash into Garden in Norway
Watch Officer's Asleep on Duty Leads to Container Ship Crash into Garden in Norway
The negligent navigation of a watch officer who fell asleep on duty has resulted in a cargo ship crashing into a resident's garden, raising concerns about maritime safety regulations.
The watch officer of a large cargo ship involved in a remarkable crash into a front garden in Norway has allegedly confessed to police that he was asleep when the incident occurred. This troubling revelation comes amidst ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The watch officer, a Ukrainian national in his thirties, has been charged with negligent navigation for his role in the mishap. Authorities are also probing whether the ship's crew adhered to mandated working and rest hour regulations. The incident unfolded on Thursday morning when the Cypriot-flagged vessel, the NCL Salten, strayed off course while traveling through the Trondheim Fjord, narrowly avoiding a residential house.
The prosecutor from Trøndelag Police District, Kjetil Bruland Sørensen, confirmed that the officer, tasked with steering the ship, failed to adjust its course before it ran aground in Byneset, near Trondheim. Although there were 16 individuals aboard at the time, fortunately, no one was injured.
The logistics company that chartered the ship, NCL, deemed the situation a "serious incident" but expressed relief that no casualties occurred. The company emphasized its commitment to ensuring a safe salvage operation and ongoing cooperation with law enforcement during the investigation.
Local resident Johan Helberg, who lives near the crash site, recounted his astonishment upon seeing the massive ship in his front garden, stating he had to bend his neck to comprehend its size. He noted that the ship was alarmingly close to his home—just five meters away from potentially entering his bedroom.
Helberg was made aware of the event by a frightened neighbor who witnessed the ship's approach. The neighbor's son reported feelings of terror as they realized the situation's gravity, reflecting on whether it was merely a dream in the early morning hours.
Notably, this vessel had previously run aground in 2023, although the crew was successful in extricating it at that time. The incident raises pressing questions and discussions regarding maritime safety practices and the responsibilities of watch officers in ensuring safe navigation.
