Norwegian Nightmare: U.S. Officials Unleash Draconian Search on Bergensfjord

February 19, 1918, marked a day of unrelenting scrutiny for the passengers of the Norwegian ship Bergensfjord, which had just docked at New York after a grueling voyage from Bergen, Norway. One hundred and fifteen first-class, 131 second-class, and 350 steerage passengers had arrived on the liner, only to be subjected to a relentless searching examination by U.S. officials. This draconian search, reminiscent of the scrutiny meted out to travelers on the Nieuw Amsterdam a few weeks prior, left even American citizens quivering in its wake.

The examinations, which began at 10:30 am, were carried out by a motley crew of intelligence men from the army, navy, customs, and immigration services, as well as the Department of Justice. By sunset, only 51 of the first- and second-class passengers had been released, leaving the rest to endure the indignity of further searching. The intelligence bureau of the customs service had one more indignity in store: an examination of the officers’ quarters.

Even American citizens, those who thought they were above suspicion, were not spared the wrath of the U.S. officials. Few, if any, were able to pass through the ordeal with a cursory examination. Those who readily proved their citizenship were held aboard for further searching, their dignity bruised and battered.

The Bergensfjord, a once-majestic liner, had become a vessel of suspicion and scrutiny. Its passengers, many of whom had endured the long and arduous journey across the Atlantic, were met with a cold, unforgiving gaze from the U.S. officials. It was a stark reminder that, in the eyes of the authorities, no one was above suspicion in the midst of war.

The searching examination, a draconian measure in the name of national security, would continue into the next day, with the officers’ quarters being the next target of the intelligence bureau’s scrutiny. The Bergensfjord, once a proud symbol of Norwegian seafaring prowess, had become a vessel of shame and indignity.