Cargo Ship Runs Aground in Norwegian Garden, Sparks Investigation
In a surprising turn of events on May 22, 2025, a cargo ship measuring 135 meters in length ran aground in the garden of Johan Helberg, a resident of Byneset in the scenic Trondheim fjord of Norway. Early Thursday morning, Helberg was awakened by his neighbor, who was frantically ringing his doorbell. The neighbor’s alarming news prompted Helberg to quickly open his window, only to discover that the vessel had come alarmingly close to his bedroom, within just five meters, threatening the structural integrity of his home.
In a conversation with journalists, Helberg expressed his concerns, emphasizing that the incident could have had dire consequences for his household, stating, "It wouldn't have been very pleasant." Luckily, the incident did not result in significant damage to Helberg's property; the only reported casualty was a broken heat pump.
According to information released by the Coast Guard, the ship, which was flying a Cypriot flag, was traveling at a speed of approximately 30 km/h when it ran aground. It was en route to Orkanger, a location just a few kilometers to the west. The reasons behind the ship's sudden change in course remain unclear, leading to an ongoing investigation by the local police. They are currently questioning a crew member who was on deck at the time of the grounding to gather insights into the incident.
The vessel had a crew of 16 on board at the time of the mishap. Authorities are working diligently to unravel the circumstances that led to this unusual occurrence, as the community remains stunned by the unexpected arrival of a cargo ship in a residential garden. This incident raises crucial questions about maritime navigation safety and potential risks associated with ships traveling through populated areas.
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