Nightmare in Norway as gigantic cargo ship crashes into local man's front garden

The container ship NCL Salten stopped metres from Johan Helberg's home (Image: AP)

A man was left "astonished" after he woke up to see a 135-metre containter ship had crashed into his front garden, missing his home by only a few metres. Johan Helberg had been fast asleep when the vessel ran aground shortly before 5am on Thursday morning in Byneset, near Trondheim in Norway.

Mr Helberg was only aware of the near miss after he was woken up by a concerned neighbour ringing his doorbell. He told The Guardian: "I went to the window and was quite astonished to see a big ship. I had to bend my neck to see the top of it. It was so unreal."

Terrifying pictures from the scene show how close the NCL Salten cargo ship had got to hitting Mr Helberg's home.

The cause of the incident is unknown (Image: AP)

The vessel was reportedly travelling to the western town of Orkanger when it ran aground.

“Normally ships turn left or right into the fjord. But this went straight ahead," said Mr Helberg who has lived in the house for 25 years.

“It was very close to the house.”

Johan Helberg was asleep when the vessel ran aground (Image: AP)

Speaking to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, he added: "Five metres further south and it would have entered the bedroom. I didn't hear anything."

Worried neighbour Jostein Jorgensen said he was woken by the sound of the ship as it headed towards land and ran to Mr Helberg's home.

He told the TV2 broadcaster: "I was sure that he was already outside, but no, there was no sign of life. I rang the doorbell many times and nothing.

"And it was only when I called him on the phone that I managed to contact him."

Sixteen people were on board the Cypriot-flagged NCL Salten which was travelling at about 16 knots (around 18 miles per hour), according to reports. No injuries or oil spills were reported and the cause of the crash is unknown.

The NCL Salten ran aground at around 5am on Thursday morning (Image: AP)

Police are investigating the incident and have identified one suspect on board the ship, according to The Guardian.

The shipping company, North Sea Container Line (NCL), said in a statement on Friday morning: "We are aware of the police stating that they have one suspect, and we continue to assist the police and authorities in their ongoing investigation.

"We are also conducting internal inquiries but prefer not to speculate further. We refer to the police for questions about their investigation."

The company said it was "grateful" there were no injuries and confirmed the ship remains grounded.

"This remains an ongoing rescue operation, and our highest priority is to ensure a safe and secure salvage operation," NCL said, adding it is working with local authorities.