According to "Spiegel", an oil and chemical transport vessel is burning in the Baltic Sea. At one point, the burning freighter was visible from the shore. The fire broke out around 9:10 AM, with thick smoke rising several dozen meters into the air. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion or deflagration. Further details and the cause of the fire are still unknown.
Fire on a tanker in the Baltic Sea. It might have been carrying hazardous materials
The tanker is currently west of Rostock, near Börgerende. Local radio station Ostseewelle reported that several people were injured. However, maritime rescue services said that seven crew members were rescued, all of whom were on board.
German media disagree on the exact cargo of the tanker. Some report that the ship "Annika" was carrying 800 cubic meters of mazut, a type of heavy fuel oil, while others mention approximately 640 tons of crude oil. However, unofficial sources indicate that regardless of the cargo, the contents of the ship did not catch fire.
Boats and a helicopter are working on the burning tanker. The rescue operation is underway
According to the police, the tanker caught fire in the Baltic Sea near the town of Heiligendamm. Rescue and firefighting operations are being carried out by teams on boats and in a helicopter. The Federal Command for Crisis Situations has taken over operational management in this situation.
The Ministry of the Environment reported that the fire has not yet caused any water pollution. It seems that an environmental disaster has been avoided.
