Local sources from Norway: VG, adressa.no.
UK coverage: The Maritime Executive.
In a startling incident off the coast of Norway, the second officer of the NCL Salten feeder ship has been arrested under charges of negligent navigation after he fell asleep while on duty, causing the vessel to run aground near a fjord house. The Ukrainian officer, in his 30s, now faces serious allegations for endangering life, health, the environment, and material assets under Norwegian law. The Trøndelag Police District is spearheading the investigation, focusing on the adherence to work and rest requirements by the crew and whether the bridge was properly manned at the time of the incident.
The Norwegian Coastal Administration, which is actively involved in the salvage operations, reported that the ship sustained damage, although there has been no immediate pollution threat detected. Despite efforts, the 443-foot containership has yet to be refloated, with ongoing planning for both salvage and pollution prevention measures.
Further complicating the narrative, local residents experienced a shocking wake-up call. According to VG’s article ‘Våknet til skip i hagen’ and adressa.no’s piece titled ‘Hjelp! Jeg har et containerskip i hagen,’ homeowners near the fjord were astonished to find the massive vessel practically in their backyards. While these articles, authored by Grete Holstad and Jørgen Eriksen for adressa.no, and unattributed in VG, offer limited details, they highlight the surreal aspect of the event from the perspective of those directly affected.
This incident raises serious questions about maritime safety protocols and the well-being of crew members responsible for navigating such significant vessels. The investigation by the Trøndelag Police District into the adherence to work and rest requirements could shed light on broader issues within the maritime industry concerning the prevention of such accidents. The local community and the maritime world will be keenly watching as the situation develops.
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