Possible Russian rocket debris found off Vardø, Norway

A possible fragment of a Russian rocket has been found near Vardø in northern Norway, local broadcaster NRK reported on Wednesday.

According to NRK, the discovery was made accidentally by a local fisherman and nature photographer who reported the find to Norwegian defence authorities. The debris was located at Kiberg, a headland just outside the town of Vardø.

Norwegian defence forces confirmed the debris is likely from a Russian rocket but declined further comment to NRK.

“It is not unusual for such finds to be made along the Norwegian coast,” said Brynjar Stordal, head of communications at the Bodø headquarters of Norway’s armed forces.

Stordal noted that Russia has conducted various test activities at sea close to Norway’s northern border, and debris from such operations can drift ashore on the Norwegian side.

“Even if it is in the sea, it is inherently dangerous,” he said. “We cannot rule out that such objects may contain fuel or explosives.”