A Norwegian fisherman had an unexpected catch this week when his nets accidentally ensnared a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarine.
Delivering a Load of Halibut
The fisherman ended up dragging the submarine nearly 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) out to sea. The incident, involving the USS Virginia, was reported by Hotnews
Harald Engen, the fisherman, was delivering a load of halibut to the village of Malangen on Norway’s western coast when he received shocking news.
The submarine’s propellers had become tangled in his fishing nets, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK News.
No Mission Disclosed
The USS Virginia, a 374-foot-long submarine with nuclear propulsion, had recently left the port of Tromsø when its propellers got caught.
A Norwegian Coast Guard ship was called to untangle the vessel from the nets.
Lieutenant Pierson Hawkins, spokesperson for the U.S. Navy’s 6th Fleet, confirmed the incident but declined to name the submarine involved.
No injuries were reported, and an investigation is underway to determine what caused the mishap.
Hawkins did not disclose the submarine’s mission but emphasized the strategic importance of the region.
“The U.S. is an Arctic nation with enduring security interests in the region,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude for Norway’s cooperation, noting that it plays a key role in supporting U.S. submarine deployments to “deter and defend against the increasingly complex security environment of the North Sea.”
