Container Ship in Trondheim: Officer Allegedly Fell Asleep

Photo by Redningsselskapets Sjøredningskorps Trondheim.

Police state that the person responsible for navigation on the bridge when the 135-meter-long container ship NCL Salten (IMO: 9252773) ran aground near Byneset likely fell asleep.

The NCL Salten (IMO: 9252773) came within meters of hitting a private residence. The incident occurred early Thursday morning. No injuries were reported, and no pollution has been detected as a result of the grounding.

According to Police Attorney Kjetil Bruland Sørensen, the investigation currently suggests that the officer on duty — who was alone on the bridge — fell asleep at some point.

The man holds an officer’s rank but was not the vessel’s captain. There is no suspicion of intoxication.

“We have reviewed ship documentation, including the deck log, which confirms that he was alone on duty when the incident occurred,” Sørensen told NRK.

Police are still working with several hypotheses. However, they currently do not believe that technical failure was the cause of the incident.

Shipping Company Withholding Comments

North Sea Container Line, which owns the vessel, has confirmed that one individual is under investigation.

In a statement released Friday morning, the company said it is cooperating with authorities and conducting its own internal review.

However, they do not wish to speculate on the cause until the official investigation is complete.

Grounding Triggered Landslide

A towing attempt on Thursday morning to refloat the ship was unsuccessful.

Further salvage efforts are on hold pending a seabed assessment, as the grounding triggered a clay landslide in the area.

One nearby home, occupied by three people, was temporarily evacuated.

Geotechnical experts have been brought in to assess conditions around and beneath the vessel to ensure a safe recovery operation.