Ukrainian Second Officer Charged After Containership Runs Aground in Norway

A Ukrainian Second Officer has been charged with negligent navigation under Norway’s Ship Safety and Security Act after the containership NCL Salten ran aground near Trondheim on Thursday.

The officer, in his thirties, confessed to falling asleep while alone on watch, leading to the vessel running aground just seven meters from a residential cabin in Byneset. The incident occurred as the 135-meter containership was traveling at approximately 16 knots.

All 16 crew members aboard the Cyprus-registered ship managed to escape without any injuries. However, the situation has raised concerns regarding bridge manning requirements and adherence to working and rest hour regulations, as highlighted by Prosecutor Kjetil Bruland Sørensen of the Trøndelag Police District.

As part of standard procedure, the ship’s captain has also been named as a suspect, and authorities have obtained relevant documentation for investigation purposes. The Norwegian Maritime Authority has been informed about the incident for further review.

Local resident Johan Helberg shared his close call, stating, “We slept just seven meters from where the bow is and didn’t hear a thing… If it had been on a slightly different course, it would have hit the house.”

The Norwegian Coastal Administration will supervise the salvage operation of the vessel. Fortunately, the charged officer will not be held in custody during the proceedings.