Residents Return After Ship Grounding & Landslide Chaos

Residents of Byneset, Norway, are returning home after a harrowing eight months of evacuation triggered by a cargo ship running aground and subsequent landslides. Jostein Jørgensen, a local resident, has finally been able to move back into his house, a moment he described as “very nice.”

The crisis began on May 22, 2025, when the 135-meter cargo vessel NCL Salten ran aground perilously close to homes in the area. The grounding destabilized the coastal terrain, leading to landslides that forced the evacuation of four properties, including those near Jørgensen’s home.

The aftermath saw significant efforts to secure the area. Skredsikring, or landslide protection measures, have cost the municipality ten million kroner and the state four million kroner, with further work still needed. While the immediate threat has subsided, the landscape has been irrevocably altered.

“The area and beach zone are destroyed, it’s a disaster for us,” Jørgensen explained. “Before, we had a long and nice pebble beach, now it’s a steep rocky slope.” Despite the damage, he expressed gratitude for the stabilization work that allowed residents to return.

The incident unfolded quickly. According to reports, the ship’s navigator, a Ukrainian man in his 30s, fell asleep at the controls, leading to the grounding. Norwegian police have charged him with negligent navigation and further charges are being considered against the ship’s captain.

Jørgensen recounted the initial shock of the event. His neighbor was awakened by a phone call informing them of the ship’s proximity to their homes. While Jørgensen’s property wasn’t directly threatened, the subsequent landslides created a period of intense uncertainty.

“It was a tough time, especially in the beginning with all the blame game about who should pay for the damage,” Jørgensen said. “At that point, it wasn’t certain that we would be able to return at all.”

The process of securing the area and confirming its safety was protracted. Residents were initially told they might be able to return by Christmas, but the timeline was extended as work continued. Jørgensen described the final notification as sudden: “We were told on Friday of last week and moved in on Monday this week.”

The return to normalcy is bittersweet. While grateful to be home, Jørgensen acknowledged the lasting impact of the landslides. The landscape surrounding his property has been dramatically altered, and the beach he once enjoyed is now a steep, rocky incline.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of coastal communities to maritime accidents and the importance of robust safety measures. Authorities are continuing to assess the long-term stability of the area and determine responsibility for the costs associated with the disaster. Trond Åm, the acting city councilor for urban development, stated that the municipality intends to recover the costs from those responsible for the incident.