A fire broke out on an oil tanker off Germany’s Baltic Sea coast, resulting in the rescue of all seven crew members, according to German authorities. The incident occurred in the engine room of the oil tanker, named the Annika, prompting the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service to act swiftly. The vessel, measuring 73 meters (240 feet) in length and flying the German flag, was situated between the well-known seaside destinations of Kuehlungsborn and Warnemuende when the fire was reported shortly after 9 a.m. on Friday.
Following the distress call, a rescue boat was dispatched and managed to retrieve the crew members within an hour, despite some sustaining minor injuries. As a precautionary measure, the rescued individuals were transferred to hospitals for evaluation. The oil tanker was carrying approximately 640 metric tons of oil, as confirmed by Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies. A tugboat was deployed to cool the outer plating of the vessel, while firefighters assessed the situation later in the day.
Authorities decided to tow the Annika to the nearby port city of Rostock for ongoing firefighting efforts, after experts determined that the ship’s condition was stable. The incident underscores the risks associated with maritime operations and the swift response required in emergency situations at sea.
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