By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A U.S. Virginia-class submarine, the USS Virginia, accidentally became entangled in a fishing net off the coast of Norway near Tromsø. The submarine was likely at the surface when it encountered the net and dragged it two nautical miles before severing it. The incident occurred in a region known for increased submarine activity due to heightened tensions with Russia. The submarine’s surfacing near Tromsø highlights the growing need for resupply and crew rotations in the area, a tactic employed to avoid lengthy journeys to more distant naval bases and maintain a close watch on Russian submarine activity.
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Imagine this: you’re out on the open sea, casting your net for a good catch. Suddenly, a massive shadow, a hundred meters long, appears beneath your boat. The next thing you know, you’re being pulled violently sideways and down. This is no ordinary fish you’ve snagged – it’s a nuclear-powered submarine!
This scenario, as unbelievable as it sounds, is what happened to a group of Norwegian fishermen recently. They were simply going about their day, casting their nets, when they unexpectedly hooked a U.S. submarine. Thankfully, they were able to release their nets, preventing a potential disaster.
This isn’t the first time a fishing vessel has encountered a submerged warship. In 1989, a tugboat in Washington State was similarly pulled underwater by a submarine, tragically resulting in the loss of all lives aboard. A similar incident in France, involving a trawler, also ended in tragedy.
It’s hard to imagine the sheer force and power of a submarine, especially a nuclear-powered one. The fishermen were incredibly lucky to avoid a similar fate. Submarines are designed to operate silently and stay hidden, making them difficult to detect, even by experienced sailors.
While the U.S. Navy typically avoids encounters with fishing boats, accidents can happen. The fishermen in this case were likely unaware of the submarine’s presence, as it’s not uncommon for submarines to operate in areas with limited visibility.
Thankfully, the Norwegian fishermen were able to notify the authorities and the sub was eventually disentangled with the help of the coast guard. This incident highlights the potential dangers of operating in close proximity to military vessels.
It’s an interesting story that raises questions about maritime safety and the potential for accidental collisions. It’s also a reminder of the immense power and secrecy that surrounds the world’s navies. While this event may seem like an unlikely fishing tale, it’s a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the vital role played by our maritime security forces.