(MENAFN) A Norwegian Navy frigate, KNM Helge Ingstad, collided with an oil tanker, Sola TS, in a harbor in Sture, north of Bergen on November 8, 2018. The collision tore a large hole in the frigate's side, causing it to sink. The 137 crew members were evacuated, and eight people sustained minor injuries. The duty commander of the frigate, who was on duty for only eight minutes at the time of the collision, has been found guilty of negligence by a Norwegian court. The officer, whose identity has not been revealed, was given a 60-day conditional sentence by the Hordaland district court. The prosecution claimed that the officer's negligent navigation was the primary cause of the collision.

The officer's defense attorney, Christian Lundin, stated that his client was disappointed with the verdict. The officer had denied criminal guilt but admitted that he did not do everything right. He argued that it was unfair to hold him solely responsible for the shipwreck and pointed out that mistakes were also made on the tanker and at the maritime traffic center, which was responsible for traffic in the region.

The duty commander was the only person prosecuted over the incident. The incident highlights the importance of proper navigation and communication in maritime traffic. The collision between the frigate and the oil tanker caused significant damage and could have had more severe consequences. The court's verdict serves as a reminder to all those involved in maritime traffic to take their responsibilities seriously and to prioritize safety at all times.

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