In a surreal early morning scene along Norway’s rugged coastline, a local resident awoke to find a massive cargo vessel resting just steps from his property — the result of a navigational mishap that could have had far graver consequences.
Johan Helberg, who lives in the quiet village of Byneset outside Trondheim, was stunned Thursday morning when he discovered the 443-foot cargo ship NCL Salten had run aground just 16 feet from his house.
“When I looked out the window, I had to tilt my head to see the top of it,” Helberg told The Guardian. “It felt completely unreal.”
Cargo Ship Grounding in Norway Stuns Coastal Resident
The grounding occurred in the early hours of the morning, but remarkably, Helberg slept through the entire incident. He was only made aware of the unexpected visitor when a neighbor rang his doorbell in alarm.
Maritime authorities later revealed that the vessel veered off course after the watch officer on duty — a Ukrainian man in his 30s — reportedly fell asleep. He has since been charged with negligent navigation.
No Injuries, Minor Damage Reported in Trondheim Ship Incident
Despite the ship’s imposing proximity, no injuries were reported, and no environmental damage occurred. The only visible impact was minor — a damaged heating pump wire on Helberg’s property.
The incident did not mark the first time NCL Salten has encountered trouble. The same vessel previously ran aground in 2023, though it managed to free itself without assistance.
Efforts to refloat the ship during Thursday’s high tide were unsuccessful. The Norwegian Coastal Administration is currently conducting geotechnical evaluations before a second attempt is made.
Investigation Underway, Shipping Company Cooperating
NCL, the company that operates the vessel, said it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. In the meantime, the image of a towering cargo ship nestled in a residential landscape has captured international attention, turning a quiet Norwegian hamlet into an unlikely maritime headline.
For Helberg, the incident was a once-in-a-lifetime experience — albeit one he hopes not to repeat.
