Norwegian fishermen were taken aback when their nets became entangled with the propeller of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine, USS Virginia. The incident, which occurred off the northern coast of Norway, has raised questions about military operations in the region and the safety of local fishing activities.
Harald Engen, a fisherman delivering a halibut catch to the fjord in Malangen, recounted receiving an unexpected call from a fellow fisherman. The message described how the propeller of a submerged vessel had ensnared their fishing nets, pulling the fishing boat nearly two nautical miles out to sea.
The submarine, later confirmed to be the USS Virginia, was reportedly departing Tromsø, a northern Norwegian port known for hosting allied naval vessels. The Norwegian Coast Guard, which was escorting the U.S. submarine, intervened, cutting the nets to separate the fishing boat from the submarine.
“I know other ships sail over fishing nets, but no one expected it to involve a submarine,” Engen told the Barents Observer. While expressing concern about the damage to his equipment, he emphasized he was not angry but had contacted the Coast Guard to seek compensation.
Lieutenant Pierson Hawkins, a spokesperson for the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet, confirmed the incident to Business Insider. While declining to disclose the exact identity of the submarine, Hawkins assured that there were no injuries and that an investigation was underway.
In response to questions about compensation, Hawkins noted that the U.S. Navy has established procedures to address civilian property damages caused by military operations. However, he refrained from providing further details about the purpose of the submarine’s activities near Norway. Analysts speculate that the mission likely involved monitoring Russian naval activity, given the geopolitical significance of the Arctic and Barents Sea regions.
Lieutenant Hawkins underscored the U.S.’s strategic interests in the Arctic. “The United States is an Arctic nation with significant security interests in the region,” he said. He praised Norway for its support in hosting U.S. submarines, which he described as essential to deterring and defending against “increasingly complex security challenges.”
Recent years have seen an uptick in U.S. naval operations in the Arctic and North Atlantic. In June, the USS Tennessee, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, and the USS Normandy, a guided-missile cruiser, conducted maneuvers in the Norwegian Sea. These operations were part of a broader effort to counter Russian naval activities, which have intensified following Russia’s increased military focus in the region.
The incident comes amidst enhanced cooperation between Norway and the United States in maritime defense. In October, the Norwegian Armed Forces announced joint exercises with the U.S. Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, with participation expected from the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
Norway has also facilitated U.S. military access to its ports, allowing for refueling and maintenance of allied vessels, including nuclear-powered submarines. The port of Tromsø, where the USS Virginia was docked before the incident, has been a critical node in these operations.
The Barents Sea, a shared maritime area between northern Norway and Russia, is a zone of strategic interest for both nations. While Norway and its NATO allies emphasize defensive operations, Moscow has often viewed these activities as provocative. The Russian Navy operates extensively in the region, using it as a launch point for its Northern Fleet and strategic submarines.
In a bid to assert its presence, the U.S. Navy has recently deployed ships like the USS Jason Dunham and USS Stout to conduct operations in international waters of the Barents Sea. Such maneuvers are part of a broader effort to reassure NATO allies and deter potential aggression.
For local fishermen like Harald Engen, incidents involving military vessels pose more immediate concerns about safety and livelihood. Damaged nets, disrupted fishing routes, and the risk of encounters with military operations create challenges for communities that rely on the sea for their economic well-being.
Engen’s case highlights a broader issue. While military activity in the region bolsters national security, it can also clash with the interests of civilians. Norway’s Coast Guard plays a crucial role in mediating these conflicts, ensuring both the safety of fishermen and the operational needs of allied navies.
The Arctic is emerging as a hotbed of geopolitical competition. Melting ice caps have opened new shipping routes and resource extraction opportunities, intensifying the strategic value of the region. For NATO and Russia, the Arctic represents both a frontier for military operations and a stage for asserting influence.
Norway, as a NATO member and an Arctic nation, is at the center of this evolving dynamic. Its proximity to Russia and strategic location make it an essential partner for the U.S. and other allies. However, balancing military cooperation with the needs of local communities remains a delicate task.
