Watch Officer's Negligence Leads to Ship Crash in Norwegian Garden

A large cargo ship veered off course and crashed into a resident's garden in Norway due to the watch officer falling asleep while on duty. The officer has been charged with negligent navigation as investigations continue into compliance with work-hour regulations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite the close call.

The watch officer of a cargo ship that crashed into a front garden in Norway has revealed to the police that he fell asleep at the wheel, leading to the frightening encounter. The incident occurred on Thursday morning in Byneset, a district near Trondheim, when the Cypriot-flagged vessel struck the property, missing the house by mere meters.

The officer, a Ukrainian national in his thirties, has been charged with negligent navigation. Authorities are also examining whether the crew adhered to proper working and rest regulations aboard the ship. The container ship, measuring 135 meters (443 feet), had a total of 16 crew members aboard and was en route to Orkanger when the mishap happened.

Trøndelag Police District's prosecutor, Kjetil Bruland Sørensen, reported, "During questioning, he admitted to sleeping during his duty," which ultimately caused the ship to deviate from its intended course. Local media indicated that the officer was responsible for steering the vessel but failed to take any corrective actions upon entering the Trondheim Fjord.

In light of the accident, logistics company NCL, which chartered the ship, labeled the occurrence as "serious" but expressed gratitude that no injuries resulted from the incident. The company has pledged to assist police in the ongoing investigation while the salvage operation remains a top priority for safety and security.

Witness accounts have painted a dramatic picture of the scene. Johan Helberg, who owns the property where the ship crashed, recounted the surreal moment he spotted the vessel outside his window: "I had to bend my neck to see the top of it. It was so unreal," he remarked. Helberg added that the ship was alarmingly close to his bedroom, which only deepened his astonishment.

A neighbor described the moment with trepidation, stating how the sound of the ship alerted him to the disaster. Both he and his son shared that the experience was terrifying, with the ship seemingly heading straight for their home.

Earlier this year, the same vessel reportedly ran aground but was successfully freed by the crew using its own power, raising further questions about its reliability and management. The incident has sparked discussions about maritime safety and the crucial importance of vigilance and adherence to regulations on board ships.