A fire broke out on board the oil tanker “Annika” off Kühlungsborn. Sea rescuers and the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies were deployed.
The ship has arrived in Rostock and is being inspected for damage. The cargo was not affected by the fire. According to the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, the “Annika” was towed to Rostock’s overseas port. Four tugs brought the tanker to a berth.
Cause of fire not yet clear
Due to the Rostock and Lübeck fire departments, who had inspected the interior of the tanker, the fire had already been extinguished by this time. The Kiel fire department, which was on board as a fire watch during the towing operation, had already been released from the operation. In Rostock, the technical relief organisation supported the work and illuminated the berth.
According to an initial assessment by the fire department, it is possible that the fire broke out in the engine room of the 640-ton tanker. A paint and varnish store next to the engine room could also have been the source of the fire. The police investigation should shed light on this.
Cargo of the “Annika” not affected
The fire engulfed the entire stern of the ship, but the loaded oil was not ignited. Nevertheless, there is now an oil barrier around the “Annika” in the harbour to prevent contamination of the water. The ship is also to be examined by divers to check whether the hull has been damaged.
During the fire, which broke out on Friday last week, the seven crew members were rescued from the ship by the sea rescuers and taken to hospital. They have since been released.
Once the fire was under control, the disabled vessel was towed to Rostock by two tugs. The emergency tug “Baltic” and the multi-purpose vessel “Arkona” accompanied the tug and tow. The convoy needed around 6.5 hours to cover the 15 nautical miles (28 kilometres) distance. A total of around 120 emergency personnel were involved in the operation.
