OSLO, Norway (AP) – In a narrow escape, a Norwegian man named Johan Helberg discovered that a cargo ship had run aground very close to his home along the picturesque coast of the Trondheim Fjord. Helberg, who lives in Byneset, Trondheim, was completely unaware of the incident as he slept through it. He only became aware of the situation after a concerned neighbor began ringing his doorbell, alerting him to the drama unfolding outside.
Images captured from the scene depict the striking red and green bow of the 135-meter-long container ship, NCL Salten, positioned just meters (yards) from Helberg's residence. Despite the precarious situation, Helberg noted that the only damage to his property was related to a heating pump's wire, a fortunate outcome considering how close the ship came to crashing into his home.
According to local authorities, they began receiving reports regarding the NCL Salten running aground shortly before 6 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Fortunately, no injuries or reports of oil spills have surfaced in relation to this incident. This development has provided a measure of relief to both Helberg and the local community, who were undoubtedly concerned about the potential environmental impacts of an oil leak or other hazardous materials from the ship.
Efforts to refloat the grounded ship during high tide on the same day proved to be unsuccessful, leaving the cargo vessel stranded along the fjord's coastline. The shipping company NCL, which operates the ship, issued a statement acknowledging police reports indicating that there was one suspect related to the incident. The company affirmed their commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, which suggests that authorities are taking the incident seriously.
As of Friday, a police spokesperson could not be immediately reached for further comments on the matter. The investigation into how the ship came to run aground continues, and community members are left anxiously awaiting additional updates on the situation. Meanwhile, images of the incident have circulated widely, highlighting the sheer scale of the vessel in relation to the nearby homes and landscape.
This incident draws attention not only to the hazards faced by shipping companies but also raises questions about maritime safety protocols in the region. As local residents like Helberg navigate the aftermath of such close calls, discussions about securing the shoreline and ensuring adequate safeguards against similar incidents are likely to intensify. The fact that no injuries occurred is a small comfort, but the circumstances serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks that accompany maritime transport in densely populated areas.
