443-Foot Cargo Ship Grounds Near Norwegian Home, Crew Charged

Johan Helberg, a retired museum director in Byneset near Trondheim, Norway, awoke to find the 135-meter cargo ship NCL Salten grounded just meters from his home after the vessel ran aground early Thursday morning. The ship narrowly missed Helberg's house by about 15-16 feet and caused minor damage by cutting a heating pump wire, but no injuries or oil spills were reported. Helberg was asleep throughout the incident and only became aware after a neighbor urgently rang his doorbell. Authorities have charged the ship's second mate with negligent navigation, and the captain is under investigation. Efforts to refloat the ship during high tide were unsuccessful, with Norwegian Coastal Administration conducting geotechnical evaluations ahead of another attempt. The shipping company NCL is cooperating with the investigation, and Helberg remains in good spirits despite the unusual and disruptive event.