On November 11, 2024, in the icy calm of Norwegian waters, an unexpected catch surprised a young fisherman and his crew. Harald Engen, 22, usually in search of halibut, found himself with a 115-meter metal intruder in his nets: the USS Virginia, an American nuclear submarine.
A submarine in the fishing nets?
In the Malangen Fjord, off the coast of Tromsø, Harald Engen and his fishing boat Øygutt experienced a morning that will go down in history. As they were pulling up their nets, they became unusually blocked. “We thought it was a big fish, but when the coast guard announced that it was a submarine, we all burst out laughing,” Harald told local media.
The USS Virginia, a class nuclear submarine Virginiaoperated discreetly in this strategic area. 115 meters long and weighing 7,800 tonnes, it was nevertheless unable to avoid entanglement. The giant’s propeller found itself blocked, temporarily immobilizing this flagship of the American navy.
Lots of fear, no harm…and fewer nets
The nets, essential to the daily work of fishermen, were sacrificed to free the submarine. Their value, estimated between 3,400 and 4,300 eurosrepresents a significant loss for Harald and his crew. Fortunately, American authorities, through their embassy in Norway, quickly promised compensation.
Despite the singularity of the incident, no injuries were reported. The Norwegian Coast Guard, on board the patrol vessel KV Heimdal, handled the situation effectively, cutting the nets and allowing the submarine to resume its mission.
The Malangen Fjord: a crossing point for submarines
Why was an American nuclear submarine operating in this area? The Malangen Fjord is much more than a fishing spot. This region is a strategic point for submarine deployments in the Arctic.
According to diplomatic sources, the USS Virginia was on a mission to monitor and secure an area under increasing geopolitical tension. Norway, a key U.S. partner in NATO, plays a critical role in refueling and providing logistical support to U.S. nuclear submarines. This support is all the more vital in a context of increased tensions between NATO and Russia.
The US Navy praised Norway’s role, stating that these missions aim to ” deter and defend the increasingly complex security environment of the Nordic regions ».
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | November 11, 2024 |
| Lieu | Fjord de Malangen, Tromsø, Norway |
| Key players | Harald Engen (fisherman), USS Virginia (submarine) |
| Economic loss | Nets estimated between 3,400 and 4,300 euros |
| Intervention | Norwegian Coast Guard (KV Heimdal) |
| Strategic mission | Arctic Surveillance and Resupply |
Submarines in your nets? Welcome to Norway!
With this incredible episode, Norway once again stands out as a land of the unusual. Between spy whales and giant submarines, Norwegian fishermen definitely seem to be at the heart of the most improbable stories. Harald Engen, for his part, has not lost his smile, although he has lost his nets.
So, if you’re wondering what’s more exotic than fishing for halibut in the fjords, Harald has the answer: a nuclear submarine.
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