A massive German oil tanker is ablaze off the Baltic coast following an explosion, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.
The 73-metre-long tanker ‘Annika’ has been engulfed in flames since 9:15am local time while anchored in the Bay of Mecklenburg, near the seaside resort of Kuhlungsborn.
Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion this morning, followed by huge clouds of smoke billowing from the ship, visible from the shore.
All seven crew members on board the Annika at the time of the incident have been rescued, with multiple injuries reported, although details are currently limited.
An emergency tug boat was swiftly deployed to unload and cool the ship, with additional vessels joining the effort to combat the flames and evacuate those on board. The survivors were rescued by the sea rescue boat “Wilma Sikorski” of the German Society for the Rescue of Shipwrecked People (DGzRS).
The tanker was anchored and secured to the tug boat.
According to a spokeswoman for the Cuxhaven Emergency Command, which is leading the rescue operation, the tanker is currently carrying 640 tonnes of heavy oil.
“A fire broke out on the Annika tanker on Friday morning,” the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies stated. “All seven crew members on board were picked up and brought to shore.”
The Annika, which sails under the German flag, was built in 2012.