Norwegian police have arrested the second officer of the NCL Salten, a Cyprus-flagged feeder container vessel, after it ran aground alarmingly close—just meters—from a coastal residence near Byneset, Trondheim.

The 30-year-old Ukrainian officer admitted he “fell asleep while on watch alone,” according to prosecutor Kjetil Bruland Sørensen from Trøndelag Police. Authorities charged him under Section 14 of the Ship Safety and Anti-Piracy Act. The ship’s captain has also been named a suspect as part of routine procedure.

The 135-meter vessel, operated by North Sea Container Line, had 16 crew members onboard—none were injured. Police are reviewing rest logs and bridge staffing compliance while working closely with the Norwegian Maritime Authority.

Salvage efforts, overseen by the Norwegian Coastal Administration, are underway. Boa Offshore AS has been contracted to refloat the vessel, a process expected to take about a week due to challenging geological conditions and high clay content in the seabed. Soil surveys began last Saturday, and the company has prioritized safety and environmental protection during the recovery.

NCL expressed sympathy to local residents affected by the incident and praised the support of local authorities and responders.