Did a cargo ship just park itself in someone’s backyard?
Indeed, in a scene that could rival any surrealist painting, a 135-metre container ship, the NCL Salten, made an unscheduled stop in the front garden of a Norwegian resident, Johan Helberg. The vessel ran aground near Byneset, west of Trondheim, narrowly missing Helberg’s home by mere metres .
A Wake-Up Call Like No Other
Imagine waking up to find a colossal cargo ship looming outside your window. For Johan Helberg, this became a reality when the NCL Salten veered off course and grounded itself just seven metres from his bedroom. Remarkably, Helberg slept through the entire incident, only becoming aware of the maritime intrusion when a concerned neighbour rang his doorbell .
🚢 The Incident: A Ship Too Close for Comfort
📍 Location and Timing
The NCL Salten, a Cyprus-registered container ship, was navigating the Trondheim Fjord en route to Orkanger when it ran aground around 5 a.m. local time on Thursday, 22 May 2025. The vessel’s bow came to rest in Helberg’s garden, narrowly avoiding a direct collision with his house .
🛌 The Sleeper’s Tale
Helberg recounted his astonishment upon discovering the ship: “I had to bend my neck to see the top of it. It was so unreal.” He added, “Five metres further south and it would have entered the bedroom” .
👥 Crew and Conditions
The NCL Salten had 16 crew members on board, comprising Norwegians, Lithuanians, Ukrainians, and Russians. Fortunately, no injuries or environmental damage, such as oil spills, were reported .
🕵️ Investigation: Unravelling the Cause
🧪 Potential Factors
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the grounding. While technical failure or human error are being considered, there is no suspicion of intentional wrongdoing or substance abuse among the crew .
🛠️ Salvage Efforts
Initial attempts to refloat the vessel during high tide were unsuccessful. Further geotechnical evaluations are underway to plan the removal, with the shipping company’s salvage team awaiting the results to determine the appropriate course of action .
The Impact on Coastal Communities
This incident underscores the potential risks faced by coastal communities situated near busy shipping lanes. While rare, such events highlight the importance of robust maritime safety protocols and the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance of navigational systems to prevent similar occurrences.
“It’s a very bulky new neighbour but it will soon go away.”
— Johan Helberg
Maritime safety is not just a concern for those at sea but also for communities on land.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and vigilant navigation to protect both lives and property.
