Tanker ablaze off German coast: Rescue efforts intensify
A 240-foot tanker named Annika is ablaze. The vessel, carrying oil and chemicals, caught fire northeast of Kühlungsborn in Germany.
According to the Maritime Search and Rescue Service, seven crew members have been rescued. "The rescue boat 'Wilma Sikorski' saved all seven crew members shortly after 09:00 GMT," said a spokesperson for the German Society for the Rescue of Shipwrecked Persons (DGzRS).
The German newspaper Ostseezeitung reports that an explosion occurred on board at 08:14 GMT. Subsequently, dense plumes of smoke were observed rising from the vessel, visible from the coast.
Firefighting operations ongoing
The newspaper "Bild" states that according to DGzRS information, approximately 630 tonnes of oil were on board the vessel. The Annika is located northeast of Kühlungsborn in the Baltic Sea, and large-scale efforts are underway.
A list of grain importers was expected. "Obstacles" have appeared.
The rescue operation includes the rescue vessel Arkona and the salvage tug Baltic. Helicopters and other units, including support from Rostock, Germany, are also en route.
The public broadcaster NDR reports that a command specifically designated for overseeing incidents has taken charge of the operation.
